Software Development Process: How to Choose the Right Process for You, By Arslan Hassan

Software Development Process: How to Choose the Right Process for You

The success of a company depends on its software inventory. Software infrastructure plays a huge role in today’s business environment. It is essential to support the organizational framework, and the enterprise ecosystem depends on software for success.

Every fine detail has to be considered to make the right decision. From the functionalities of the software to its features and the development lifecycle, you need to consider everything. If you choose the wrong software, you will end up experiencing delayed deliveries and dissatisfied customers.

If you are interested in optimizing the software development process, you have come to the right place. This post shares all the information that you could possibly need. 

Popular Software Development Lifecycles

The following are some of the most used software development lifecycles.

1.   The Waterfall Model

The waterfall model is considered to be the oldest life cycle model out there. The method has proven to be effective despite its traditional approach. It is a development model that has clearly defined phase objectives and sequential phases.

To ensure that requirements of each phase are completed before the next phase starts, t requires reviews of the work in progress.    

2.   The Iterative Model

Another lifecycle that you might have heard of is the iterative method. It takes a different approach to software development. The iterative method requires reviews on an incremental basis. 

Starting with a system that is partially completed, it integrates more features gradually until the entire system is developed.

A great thing about the iterative method is that it provides amazing flexibility throughout the development process, unlike the waterfall process, which tends to be somewhat restrictive.

With the iterative model, the integration of new functions is a lot easier. The same goes for making changes. Improvements can also be made to previous iterations in subsequent iterations.

3.   Agile

Finally, agile is a method that follows the iterative method for catering to the needs as the iterations progress in the age of the internet. The method makes progress in bits and stages similar to the iteration model.

What makes agile different is that it progresses rapidly. Time frames can be fast-tracked with agile from months to just a few weeks. This is why it has become extremely popular. Agile helps boost flexibility and collaboration in the development phase.  

Custom web development and digital marketing services can utilize agile to handle all the changes as needs change.

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How to Choose the Best Software Development Process?

Now that you know more about the different types of software development lifecycles, you will have an easier time understanding and taking advantage of the tips mentioned below.

1.   Determine the Level of Flexibility 

The first thing that you need to do is determine the level of flexibility when it comes to requirements. Before selecting an SDLC model, you must consider flexibility for covering the specifications. 

Web and app development will find the iterative and agile methods to be ideal as changes would need to be made frequently.

On the other hand, if you require classic web and app development, the waterfall method might be best as it ensures predictability and stability throughout the development process.

2.   Clearly Define the End-Users

When targeting a closed group of end-users, you get to work with a fixed set of requirements. In such a case, the waterfall method would be appropriate for web and app development.

However, if your target end-users tend to be dispersed, you will seek feedback once the app has been launched. 

To be able to create new features for your end-users after the app launch, you will need to opt for iteration or agile methods.

3.   The Scale and Scope of Development

Next, you also have to consider the scale and scope of development. The number of developers that would be able to handle the project depends on its scale. 

The bigger the project, the more team members would be required. Therefore, an orderly and elaborate project management plan would be needed. This is where the waterfall method would reign supreme.

4.   Decide Whether a Marathon or Sprint Time-Frame Is Suitable

If the time frame for the web and app development is long-term, the waterfall method might be a great fit as there would be no quick-approaching deadlines. 

However, if there is a need for development to unfold through sprints, an iterative or agile method would be the right choice. It will help provide an impression of rapid progression. 

5.   The Location of the Team

The location of your developer team plays a huge role in determining the right process. 

If your team is located across the country, there would be a need for accountability, coherence, and coordination. In such a case, a rigid project management plan would be more appropriate. Thus, you would need to choose the waterfall method.  

For an iterative and agile regimen, you would require frequent contact. Hence, a dispersed developer team would struggle. Only if the majority of the team members are in the same location should you opt for agile.

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How to Pick the Best Developer Team?

The effectiveness of the software development process depends on the developer team you choose. The following tips will enable you to select the right development team for the job.

• Assess Track-Record: Review the track-record of potential candidates to determine if they have worked on similar projects or not. You can go through customer reviews to make a decision.
• The Number of Developers: Each project requires a different number of developers. Determine the right number of developers to take on the task.
• Inquire About Preferences: It is important that you ask about each individual’s preferences to ensure that they are the best fit for the software development process.
• The Location: Finally, you need to think about the development team’s location. 

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Conclusion – Choose the Right Software Development Process for Success

Once you have finished reading this post, you will be able to choose the right software development process. From determining the flexibility of the project to the location of the team, each tip will help you make the best decision.