The 6 Software Development Life Cycle Methodologies Explained

SDLC refers to a series of phases that act as a framework while developing and managing software throughout its lifecycle. Technology firms are using SDLC because it helps them discover errors in software development early before they are discovered much later, which can turn out to be expensive. If you want to avoid the mistakes that other firms are making, SDLC can help you get your software development right the first. This can end up saving you time and millions of money. In case you did not know, SDLC encompasses seven phases which include planning, analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance.

SDLC Methodologies

Organizations don’t have to follow one model while developing software or applications. However, there are 6 different methodologies that organizations can use to address different goals or challenges. Here are the six basic SDLC methodologies that software development teams can use today.

1. Waterfall

Waterfall model is one of the oldest and most popular SDLC methodologies that is used for software development. The waterfall SDLC model refers to a development technique that is sequential and linear. This model uses the same logic as a typical waterfall. That is when water flows over the cliff edge, it cannot reverse back. The same can be said about the waterfall model. Once one development phase is complete, there is no going back and development has to move on to the next phase.

2. Agile

As software technology becomes part and parcel of most organizations, the agile model is quickly spreading to almost all firms. Although the agile methodology has been available for the last decade. it is recently when it has been making its way in many organizations developing software. This model entails a combination of both incremental and iterative model, where it produces continuous releases (iterative) while adding new changes to the last release.

3. DevOps

The DevOps methodology is the most recent model to the software development lifecycle. As the name suggests, DevOps is where developers and operations teams function together so as to come up with a top-notch software product. This model entails automation of manual processes and frequent updates. DevOps entails a combination of practices, tools, and cultural practices so that applications and services are delivered at high by organizations.

4. Spiral

The spiral methodology is a combination of both the iterative model and waterfall model. This SDLC model adopts a risk-driven approach to software development process. As such, the success of any given project is dependent on the risk analysis phase. Usually, the project goes through four phases that include planning, engineering, risk analysis and evaluation in a spiral motion until complete.

5. Iterative

The iterative methodology does not need the whole list of requirements for the project to start. With this model, project teams only need a set of requirements before testing, evaluating and suggesting further requirements. Usually, the iterative model is used together with the incremental development where the SDLC is split into smaller phases that build on each other.

6. Lean

The final methodology on the list is the lean model. This methodology for software development got its inspiration from the lean manufacturing principles and practices. The lean model reduces the need for multitasking by emphasizing on working at one thing at a time. This approach comes with benefits to an organization where agile iterations eradicate long preplanned specifications.

Conclusion

Careful consideration needs to be taken while choosing the best SDLC model to use in your organization. Remember that the model you choose is only one step towards achieving your goals. For the whole project to be successful, it requires the whole team working together so as to overcome any challenge that may come along the way.