Decoding Software
Development
Methodologies
Introduction to software development methodologies and their
importance. "Methodology" is defined in the context of software
development. Key benefits include predictability, efficiency, and
quality. Methodologies have evolved to address different project
needs. Projects using established methodologies are 28% more
likely to succeed.
by Ayush kunder
Waterfall: The Traditional Approach
Waterfall is a sequential, linear process. It goes from requirements to design, then implementation, testing,
deployment, and maintenance. It's simple to understand and well-documented. It suits projects with clear, stable
requirements. Changes are difficult to incorporate. Best for projects with well-defined scope and low risk of changes.
For example, a simple accounting system.
Strengths Weaknesses
Simple to understand, well-documented, suitable for Inflexible, changes are difficult to incorporate, long
projects with clear, stable requirements feedback cycles
Agile: Embracing Change and Iteration
Agile is iterative and incremental. It uses short development cycles and continuous
feedback. It adapts quickly. Core principles include customer collaboration and responding
to change. Working software and interactions are key. Agile is flexible, adapts to changing
requirements, and delivers software faster. Agile projects are 28% more successful and
23% faster.
Customer Collaboration
Responding to Change
Working Software
Individuals and Interactions
Scrum: Agile in Action
Scrum is a specific Agile framework. It defines roles, events, and
artifacts. Roles include the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and
Development Team. Scrum promotes transparency, accountability,
and continuous improvement. It iterates rapidly. Spotify uses
Scrum teams for feature development and continuous
improvement.
Transparency Accountability
Continuous Improvement
Kanban: Visualizing
Workflow
Kanban focuses on visualizing workflow and limiting work in
progress (WIP). Kanban improves workflow efficiency and reduces
bottlenecks. It requires a mature team. Kanban is best for
continuous flow of work, support, and maintenance. Lean
manufacturing principles inspire Kanban's use in software.
1 Visualize Workflow
2 Limit Work in Progress
3 Continuous Flow
DevOps: Bridging the Gap
DevOps automates and integrates processes between software development and IT operations. Core principles
include collaboration, automation, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD). DevOps leads to faster
release cycles and improved collaboration. Organizations with strong DevOps deploy code 200x more frequently.
Automation
2
Collaboration 1
CI/CD
3
Lean: Eliminating Waste
Lean focuses on delivering value and minimizing waste. Principles include eliminating waste and amplifying
learning. Lean decides as late as possible and delivers as fast as possible. It empowers the team and builds
integrity. Lean promotes continuous improvement. Toyota Production System influenced Lean software
development.
1 Eliminate Waste 2 Amplify Learning 3 Deliver Fast
Choosing the Right Methodology
Each methodology has unique key characteristics. Selection depends on project characteristics. Consider
requirements stability and team size. No single methodology is universally perfect. Selection depends on context.
Methodologies are tools, not rules. Adapt them for the best results.
1 Requirements
2 Team Size
3 Project Complexity
