The software development process model defines how the development process will be built and structured. It entails splitting the project into smaller parts and tasks where each task contains information about its execution and the expected results after its execution. The choice of the software development model depends on the software project’s specifics considering its scope, requirements, complexity, available resources, and required developers.
In this article, we would like to get you familiar with the top software development process models used by companies for building custom software defining their main advantages and pitfalls that may help you when choosing an offshore software development partner for your software project.
Scrum development methodology
The Scrum development model splits the entire software project into several larger parts which are called sprints. Each of the sprints starts from the precise planning of the following development actions that need to be taken within this sprint that lasts from 2 weeks to a month. Initially, the development team defines the feature ranges within one sprint, then the required functionality and technologies for its execution, and then testing of this small piece of functionality.
Before the next sprint, the previous one is reviewed by the client to prove if it doesn’t require any changes to continue the software development process. All changes are placed in the product backlog and are executed by the development team according to the priorities.
Waterfall development model
The waterfall development model entails dividing the entire software project into sequential steps where the next start after the successful release of the previous one. It gives full control over the development process as the development team has a precise structure of each development phase and each task that should be executed within this phase. The flow of the Waterfall development model goes like this:
- Collecting project specifications – technical and non-technical requirements
- Solution design and architecture
- Coding – executing the technical tasks
- Testing – revealing malfunctions of the solution before its full release
- Solution deployment and maintenance
However, this software development process model also has some pitfalls that need to be considered before the development process. As the entire project is precisely planned the changes in product requirements can be complex. Although, the aim of this methodology is to predict all steps and eliminate the need for amendments due to the consistency of the development process.
Verification and Validation model (V model)
V software development process model implies testing of each development stage not only after the coding stage in order to validate technical and non-technical requirements of the solution. The V development model splits the project into 2 directions:
- Verification – defining the project specifications and design concept
- Validation – testing the project requirements
These branches are conducted simultaneously, not sequentially as in the Waterfall model. The V development process model is tasked with lighting the developing process of the complex software solution but the execution of this development process model is also complicated. Although the V model entails scalable testing of the solution feasibility it doesn’t provide the prototype development so there is no ability to test the solution before deployment which is quite risky.
Incremental model
The incremental development process model divides the entire software project into several autonomous larger parts (increments) meaning they are built with no dependency on one another. Each of these project parts goes through the software development life cycle common for the Waterfall model – collecting requirements, design, writing code, and testing. The incremental model eliminates the ability to make changes in the product requirements as they are impossible to change after the increment is finished.
Along with the beneficial sides of this development process model, the incremental model counts lots of risks during the development process as well as after the product deployment and maintenance. The main pitfall is that not all requirements can be gathered from the very beginning that can convert into functionality gaps and non-operating solutions.
Iterative model
The iterative model doesn’t demand a clearly defined list of project specifications for the beginning of the development. The basic ranges of functions can be enough to start building a custom software solution as the product functionality can be extended later. Each of the functionality pieces is developed independently from each other and then added to the whole product range of functions.
Each part of the project is developed sequentially which is quite similar to the waterfall development process model. The iterative development model makes the project management less transparent and rather difficult which can lead to missing deadlines, going over the budget, and lack of resources. Also, the risk management strategy can not be precisely built and many risks cannot be forecast and prevented that can negatively influence the outcome of the development process and poor-quality software product.
What software development process model does suit my project?
These days software development companies use all of these software development process models but some of them are in higher demand. For example, Scrum agile methodology is currently being one of the most frequently used and appropriate for building software solutions of different sizes, complexity, duration, required resources, and so on. GBKSOFT software development team also follows the Scrum approach in custom software development being able to adjust to the needs of their clients, to the potential changes in the product functionality during the development, and build a custom solution within the budget and deadlines.
Some of the above-mentioned software development models are considered outdated and non-efficient like interactive and incremental models. These two don’t entail a qualitative risk management plan to know the action in case of unpredictable situations during the development. Although, risk management strategy is one of the main stages as it aims to eliminate the problems and wastes on the project and deliver top-notch software solutions corresponding to the expectations and requirements of clients.
All in all, you should choose the software partner wisely so that the development team could advise you on the most suitable software development process model for your particular case.