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The development of a quality product begins with the definition of the life cycle. This is a clear action plan that allows you to understand what should happen, how to achieve the result and what methods to use. Software development methodology is a proven way and practices to make a digital product right and good. There are several varieties of techniques with which programs and applications are made.
What is a product development model and why is it needed
Each product has its own life cycle. These are the stages that all development goes through. It starts from the moment of creating an idea and making decisions. You have decided to make a website or application for your company. At this point, the life cycle has already begun.
Further preparation is carried out, analysis is done, and how this product can be obtained is studied. When it becomes clear what you want to do, you need to decide how to do it. At the project stage, the idea is formed into an action plan, a technology stack is selected, and software development methodologies are selected.
This is the approach by which the product will be developed. And the quality of the final product depends on the choice of this approach. After all, the choice of a software development model allows you to determine the order of execution and implementation of tasks, develop a system for monitoring and evaluating development, determine the time frame for creating a product, and determine the cost. The choice of methods allows you to achieve stability during development, and this is one of the main tasks.
The software development process itself consists of approximately the same stages. We will talk about them further. But how these stages will be implemented, how they are interconnected and on what principles they work, is determined by the software development methodology. Her tasks are as follows:
- helps to understand how to implement the idea and create a product that is useful for business;
- gives a clear idea of work methods and an action plan, which reduces the likelihood of errors during development;
- helps to save on the development stage, minimizing the number of edits and speeding up the process due to a clear action plan;
- allows you to distribute tasks within the team depending on the chosen method;
- forms a sequence of actions, forms requirements for the product.
The need to choose software development methodologies is justified by a qualitative approach. Otherwise, you can start creating a product and never finish it, because there will be no clear plan of action. But even such a method can be characterized as a methodology, it will just be less effective. There are quite a few models, some companies offer work using unique methods. But the basis is always taken from 7 basic, proven over the years and working methods that guarantee a good result.
Basic development methodologies
Each software development model has its own unique features, advantages and disadvantages. It is impossible to determine which one is better, because a different development principle is chosen for different tasks, products and ideas. Let’s look at the main types that are used in programming.
“Waterfall Model” (cascade model or “waterfall”)
This is a classic model that was used at the dawn of development, and continues to be actively used today. Its principle of operation is quite simple: each subsequent stage is performed only when the previous one is completely completed. There is a clear division of stages, and development takes place in a kind of cascade, gradually descending from the first to the last.
This software development model is quite rigid and has strict rules. It clearly defines the timing of the passage of each stage. But there is also a drawback: it is very difficult to take a step back. Making changes to an existing project is very expensive and problematic. This method is suitable only for projects that are clearly scheduled, there is a complete understanding of what is being created, for what purposes and what requirements are set.
You can use this approach if there is a detailed prototype or an existing similar application. In addition, the waterfall model should be used when working with government agencies, where it is important to submit reports strictly, follow the schedule and not deviate from the originally set plan.
“Incremental Model” (incremental model)
An incremental software development model is suitable if there is a clear action plan, but the product needs to be launched quickly enough, and changes can be made later. Its essence lies in the fact that first an action plan is developed and divided into small tasks. Further, each “block” is developed according to the traditional cascade model. Initially, a “basic” product is made with minimal but important features. Gradually, it is supplemented by the development of other components, which are called increments. The process loops until there is a fully assembled single system.
Each part is a finished item. Sometimes it can even be used on its own. As a rule, it is designed so as not to remake it. That is why the waterfall model is used inside the incremental model.
What does such software development methodology provide? First of all, risks are minimized, a quick market entry and product launch is ensured. In addition, the basic functionality will already work and bring benefits to the business, you can always implement new formed tools if necessary.
“Iterative Model” (iterative or iterative model)
This approach is somewhat similar in design to the previous one. The essence of iterative software development methodology is to create basic functionality and gradually improve it. While it sounds similar to the previous version, but there is a difference.
An incremental model can be compared to a puzzle where all the elements are taken and gradually assembled into a single picture. An iterative model is a sketch by an artist who first sketches with a pencil, then picks up paint, and then draws the details and creates a picture.
This method is suitable for large projects, in which the main tasks are defined and there is a general idea of \u200b\u200bwhat should be done. But at the same time, the details are not clear, it is not completely clear how this or that function will work. For example, social networks are developed according to this method. The general functionality is clear, but the number of functions and capabilities are not fully defined. This approach allows you to gradually add components and improve existing ones.
“Agile Model” (agile development methodology)
Agile software development methodology is a great solution for creating a product that is not fully formed in its idea. The peculiarity of this method is that the customer can immediately observe changes in the development and correct actions. This is possible due to the definition of sprints – segments for which tasks are completed. During the discussion, goals are set, the time of the segment is determined, and the developers complete the task. Further discussion takes place, changes are made, a new segment is assigned.
The agile development method is very effective, but it has its drawbacks. Due to the fact that it is impossible to determine the exact results and understand how long it will take to implement the idea, it is impossible to determine the cost.
If the project is set up for a long life cycle, must be adaptable to changes in the market, then the Agile method is great. It allows you to adapt to the requirements and make changes.
“Spiral Model” (spiral model)
Spiral software development models are suitable for large projects, where making mistakes leads to large losses and negative consequences. The emphasis is on risk assessment and the development of specific business objectives. The principle of operation is as follows:
The work goes in a spiral, at each turn of which 4 main actions are carried out: creating a plan, analyzing risks, developing and designing, evaluating the result and collecting feedback. If all 4 stages are successfully completed, then the development moves to a new round.
The very transition to a new round resembles an incremental model, where each block is developed independently and attached to the initially created basic functionality. The peculiarity of the approach is that most of the time is spent on analysis and trying to perform calculations and evaluate the consequences than on the development itself. Programmers sometimes implement a feature much faster than it is learned by analysts.
The spiral model is suitable for large companies, as it is not cheap. In addition, development takes quite a long time. This method is for those who put everything on the line. If the project ceases to exist in case of failure, then you need to protect yourself and eliminate risks. And this method is used for this.
“V-Model” (V-shaped model)
A feature of the approach is the emphasis on testing and checking the performance of systems during development. Tests are carried out in parallel with the process of creating a product. The principle itself inherits the basic approach in waterfall development. The process goes step by step, there is a clear action plan, a strict technical task is drawn up. But tests are carried out in parallel, if errors are found, they are immediately corrected, regardless of the development stage.
The peculiarity of this software development methodology is that tests are carried out already at the early stages of creation, and you can move to a new stage only when all errors are eliminated. At the same time, at the new stage, tests analyze not only the new stage, but also all the previous ones. This allows you to control the relationship of components and their performance.
“RAD Model” (rapid application development model or rapid application development)
The RAD software development methodology is suitable for those companies that want to launch the product as quickly as possible. The bottom line is that all stages of creating a program are not divided into several separate blocks, each of which is worked by a separate development team.
After that, working small modules are assembled into a single system and form a working prototype that can be shown to the client. Further feedback is collected and changes are made. The method allows you to quickly develop even complex products, but has a number of features:
- the client must actively participate in the development and constantly monitor the results;
- the cost of using this method is high, since you will have to hire a large staff of developers;
- you need a clear understanding of what should be the result, so that each team knows what their module is responsible for.
This approach makes it possible to quickly test an idea, bring a new product to the market in a short time, and create massive applications with great functionality.
Main stages of software development
Regardless of which software development methodology is chosen, they follow the basic steps of creating any digital product. Depending on the chosen method, the stages may change slightly, other approaches are used, but the principle remains the same. Software development goes through the following stages:
- Requirements analysis. The idea is explored first. It is important to understand what the client wants to receive, how he sees his future product. This allows you to form an idea and evaluate its prospects. Next, competitors, similar products on the market, target audience, opportunities are studied, and a series of analytical studies are carried out to understand how to turn an idea into a working product.
- Design. A task plan is drawn up, a project is created, allowing at this stage to see how the product will look like, how it will be implemented. The design of elements is taken into account, the structure is thought out, the application architecture is created. For developers, a technical task is drawn up.
- Development and programming. Designers begin to create the front end of the application and develop the UX. They create modules, bundles of components, think over the complete structure and make layout. Programmers translate this into a working tool using the chosen technology stack. At this stage of software development, a finished product is obtained that can be implemented in a business.
- Documentation. Each action is described. Technical documentation is being created for programmers who will provide technical support in the future, as well as a user manual. The documentation describes in detail the basic principles of the program and its functionality.
- Testing. When the program is ready, it goes through rigorous testing. The software development methodology determines the test options, methods for evaluating the effectiveness of development. If errors are identified during testing, they are corrected. A system for further evaluation of the program’s performance is also being developed.
- Implementation and support. Once the product has passed the tests, it is implemented in the business. Employees are being trained, the technical team that will provide support. If there is none, you can order a full support service and be sure that the software works without failures.
These are the main stages of software development. Each stage is a set of measures that allows you to create a product for business. Depending on the chosen software development model, they may vary slightly, cycle or be flexible. This is precisely the main task of choosing a method – to determine the most effective and rational way to create a product.
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