2022. March 25.
Software is effective if it fits the needs of the company and if it provides the answer and solution to envisaged business goals. It doesn't need to be more than it is, but it must function as it's supposed to work. This overall business goal can be achieved through custom software development. Let's see what the most popular methods are and what other solutions the development team can choose from!
Software development can follow several methodologies. Developers must follow the path that best suits the project, the customer needs, and the unique circumstances, as these will determine the overall outcome and the future results.
Let's have a look at the best practices for custom software development!
The agile method
Today, the most popular approach to custom software development is the agile method . This approach is based on the flexibility of processes, to serve and maximise the customer's individual needs and deliver the software in the shortest possible timeframe.
It has the advantage of delivering the software on time because of the strict deadlines. Thanks to its flexibility, the developing team can react very quickly to changing circumstances.
In the agile method, there is a limited number of rules, and the documentation does not impose an extra burden on the professionals. The software development process is split into work-phases, making it easier to follow the project milestones and reduce the number of errors.
The disadvantage is that effective work can only be achieved if there is an overall project plan and managers have relevant experience. The use of the agile approach is not recommended when the communication is not flowing between the client and the development team or the relationship is strained from several directions.
The scrum method
The scrum method, which belongs to the agile approach, is very popular among software developers. It is fast and allows for multiple iterations at once, while it is highly adaptable to changing circumstances.
It has the advantage of allowing the development team to work freely and, thanks to the short sprints, changes can be made quickly and easily. Development time can be reduced very significantly with scrum.
Its disadvantage is that it does not work well for projects that are too complex or long term, nor does it work well if the relationship between the team and the scrum master is not fully competent. The method will only deliver results if each member trusts the other both in terms of project management and decision making. This requires a highly skilled and professional development team.
The waterfall method
The Waterfall method is based on linearity and is therefore also called a linear-sequential model. The essence of this method is that the tasks are carried out sequentially, step by step, from top to bottom. Nothing is left out, nothing is moved to another task, and when a task is in the development process, it will be completed fully. The simplicity of this model has made it one of the most popular development methodologies.
It has the advantage of being easy to understand and apply so that all involved agents can follow the progress of the project. The stages of development are well defined and managed separately, while the milestones are clear and apprehensible. It is the right choice for smaller, well-defined projects.
The disadvantage is that it is rather inflexible and does not respond well to changing needs. Given the linear approach, there is no running software until the end of development. This can prolong repair cycles and tests. It is not recommended for projects where there is a risk of circumstantial change.
The spiral method
The essence of the spiral method is that the development team starts with small tasks and progresses towards larger units. In the process, there is also an opportunity to double-check on earlier development milestones. In this way, developers move from one task to the next, while detecting and minimising the risks that might jeopardize the outcome.
The Big Bang method
The ideal approach for small development projects and teams is the so-called the Big Bang method. It is simple, as it does not follow any set of rules or methodology. Development starts when the right amount of financial need is available on the customer’s side and the output is the finished product.
It is easy to control and very simple to use, especially where the number of developers involved is small and the project is not complex.
The disadvantage is that the requirements are not clear, as sometimes even the client is not confident about the brief. It is also, by its nature, not very widely applicable.
Custom software development can help a company to stand out from the competition while staying cost-efficient and productive. Are you aware of the problem but don't know the solution? We can help!
