In the software development industry, there are two main approaches driving the project life cycle. Traditional software development, also known as the waterfall method, is a linear, structured approach that deals with processes to achieve end results. Agile methodology is a nonlinear approach to software development that accommodates changing requirements and flexible planning throughout the entire process. When choosing a vendor for custom software development, it’s important to be familiar with both methods to determine which will be the best approach for your business needs.
Traditional software development practices can be divided into four distinct phases. The initial step is to establish the requirements for the project and determine the time it will take to implement the various phases of development while trying to predict any issues that may arise. Once the requirements are established, the next step is the architectural design and planning phase, where a technical infrastructure is produced in the form of diagrams or models. These bring to the surface potential issues the project may face as it progresses and provide a workable roadmap for developers to implement.
Once the team is satisfied with the architectural and design plan, the project moves into the development phase where the code is produced until the specific goals are achieved. Development is often broken down into smaller tasks that are spread across multiple teams based on skill. The testing phase often overlaps with the development phase to ensure that issues are addressed early on. Once the project nears completion and the developers are close to meeting the project requirements, the customer will become part of the test and feedback cycle. When the client is satisfied, the project is delivered.
This linear approach to software development is based on structured processes and extensive documentation that guides the work done at each stage. The success of a rigid structure depends on the fact that all the requirements are known before the development phase begins and that they will not change. This makes it easy to set schedules, determine project costs, and allocate resources.
However, in the real world of software development, problems arise and new specifications are discovered during the development phase. The traditional waterfall approach to software development doesn’t provide the flexibility to address these issues without a great deal of time and cost. In complex situations, it can mean having to start over from the beginning.
A more flexible approach to custom software development is the Agile methodology. With this approach, the emphasis is less on the structured development process and more on team collaboration. Instead of relying on documentation to measure the progress of a project, the goal is to produce working software in incremental phases before all requirements are met. Customers and developers collaborate throughout the entire project lifecycle and are not restricted to requirements documentation and contract negotiations. The agile methodology is designed to address changing needs throughout the project.
With Agile software development, tasks are broken down into small increments called iterations, which are short cycles that last between one and four weeks. Each iteration follows the same process as traditional software development, such as gathering requirements, designing a plan, and building it out. However, this approach involves multiple iterations to meet the total project requirements rather than trying to follow a single development cycle. At the beginning of each iteration, the needs of the project are reassessed. This makes it possible to adapt to changing requirements even late in the development process. When the customer receives working versions of the software throughout the development lifecycle, this minimizes risks to their return on investment and allows them to provide ongoing feedback.
Despite the lower risk of software development with an Agile methodology, it is not without certain disadvantages. Due to the flexibility involved in this approach, it can be difficult to determine completion schedules and estimate project budgets. Agile’s success is also based on continuous collaboration with the customer. If the client does not have the time to invest in the process, this approach may not be the best method.
Understanding existing development methods in the work environment of the company you hire for custom software development will have an impact on overall customer satisfaction. Both Agile and waterfall methods are viable solutions with proven success. If your project requirements are simple and unlikely to change, choosing a vendor that uses the traditional approach is a good solution. However, if your project requires high flexibility and continuous collaboration, Agile software development solutions are the best option.