Different Approaches to Software Development
From a broader perspective, conceptualization, development, execution and maintenance of the source code through a structured and sequential process to invent and improve software products defines the purpose and utility of software development. In technology speak; development of software includes several factors such as extensive research, prototyping, architecture, source code modification, reengineering, maintenance and other related activities resulting into software products.
Software is developed to meet several various purposes. Custom software development caters to the specific needs of a client or business establishment. Open source software is developed to meet the supposed commercial needs of a specific group of potential users. However, software developed for commercial purpose can serve the personal needs too. Embedded software development fulfills an objective for consumer products.
Quality is a priority for us while buying commodities. The same applies to software development. In fact, a focus on quality control and improved development of software has given rise to software engineering. It is a discipline that is focused on development and application of the systematic approach related to the development of software. There is hardly any doubt over the objective of software development but various approaches are followed to develop software. Some may follow the engineering-based and technology guided approach for the business solutions development while the others are more in favor of adopting a chronological approach to software development. However, most of the methodologies artfully use all or some combinations of the followings to develop software:-
- Market research
- Requirements gathering for business solutions
- Problem analysis
- Design and architecture for the software-based solution
- Software coding and Testing
- Maintenance of developed software and bug fixing
These stages are collectively referred to as SDLC or software development life cycle. Different approaches perform these stages in differently jumbled-up orders. Time distribution to attend various stages differs from one approach to another. Another point of difference among these multiple approaches is the level of detailed documentation associated with every stage of software development. Some favor the ‘waterfall’ based approach by carrying out the stages in a turn while the others (extreme approach) follow the iteration of different cycles. Water-fall based approach attempts to assess the risk and develops a detailed plan prior to coding implementation. Though this approach is not against modification but major changes and re-coding in the advanced stage are what it always averts. The extreme approach dedicates more time to conceptualization and documentation and attaches less time to automated tests coding and development. This approach is not recommended when for a software development project. Then there is agile software development where methodologies, frameworks or approaches like XP (extreme programming), Lean, Scrum and Kanban comes to mind. This approach to software development accommodates changes throughout the SDLC or software development life cycle and promotes communication and visibility over process.
People will argue that waterfall has its place in the software development world, but we say no. No successful project can be implemented without an agile approach to software development. If you need help with your software development process, visit Coolcorrect www.coolcorrect.com.
Author Bio:
Simmy Ahuja is an expert and with a keen interest in Software Development. Visit his site to get more about Software Development.
Processing your request, Please wait....
