Which Methodology Is Best for Web Development?
If you decide to hire an IT company to develop your web app, you will most likely need to interact with the team, discuss your project requirements with them, monitor how the work is done and check the results.
Thus one of the important steps to be taken before starting any engagement is to decide on the software development methodology. There are several software development methodologies to choose from depending on the project goals, requirements, size, timeline, team members involved, project management tools used, etc.
In this article, we will cover the best software development methodologies for web app development, compare their pros and cons, and consider what methodology works best for your team.
Waterfall Development Methodology
Waterfall is the most conventional software development methodology. In fact, it has been one of the most popular approaches for web development projects for several decades due to its plan-driven approach.
The Waterfall approach requires a lot of structure and documentation. The process is divided into several stages that form a sequence:
The first stage is critical and requires a complete understanding of the project’s demands and scope by both the developers and the product owners.
Waterfall lacks flexibility which means that every next phase should be fully completed before moving forward to the next stage. Once any modifications are needed or any errors are detected during the course of the project, Waterfall will require a full restart.
As a result, projects managed under the Waterfall method might require much more time. On the other hand, it is great for ensuring that all deliverables meet expectations and it allows for easily measuring the progress since you see the full scope of the project in advance.
Waterfall methodology is mostly used for web development projects with a clear and predefined scope, with a fixed timeframe for project completion and few iterations or revisions.
Agile Software Development Methodology
Agile is another methodology widely used for rapid application development projects. The Agile software development method is often used for projects with no definite requirements and limited short timeframes.
The key characteristics of the development are the following:
There’s no pre-planning of the entire project, so the tasks are accomplished in an adaptive manner. The teams’ efforts are concentrated on small tasks that require urgent attention. The Agile development approach also supports quick modifications in the project’s scope and direction based on the market changes.
Agile is better suited to manage complex web development projects that involve variability. It allows teams to develop in short iterations that have a specified timeframe and deliverables but don’t have a specific order.
Scrum
Scrum shares Agile’s fundamental philosophy that development teams should collaborate daily and intensively. Scrum uses an iterative approach to web product development where the team is a key. This approach requires self-management and self-organization which means that it will be a good fit for smaller projects with experienced and organized team members.
Scrum combines the flexibility and iterative practices of the modern-day Agile method and the discipline and structure of more conventional methodologies. End goals are broken into smaller ones and the teams are supposed to use fixed-length iterations (typically they are two-week-long) to develop software and present it to the client.
Meetings are crucial throughout the project and during each iteration, teams conduct daily meetings to track progress and get feedback. Such an iterative software development approach allows quick changes and increases effectiveness for complex projects.
Extreme Programming
Extreme Programming (XP) is one more Agile development methodology that aims to produce high-quality web apps and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. Just like many other Agile methodologies, XP is focused on regular releases in short iterations, enabling change when needed.
XP development requires more than just a sequence of steps to manage web development projects – it adheres to a set of values that are supposed to help teams work more efficiently. These values include:
This approach implies that the development team should first understand the project’s needs well enough to give the client feedback about the technical aspects of how the problem can be solved.
XP was designed to help development teams adjust to the fast-changing requirements. So, this approach will suit small teams working on a new system, especially when a client sets tight deadlines for a project.
Lean Development
Lean is more than just a workflow methodology – it’s a mindset too. Originating from manufacturing, as a way to optimize the production line to minimize waste and maximize value to the customer, lean approach is widely used in various spheres, including web application development.
Lean means creating more value for customers with fewer resources involved. Lean’s basic principles are the following:
Waste is defined as anything capable of impairing code quality, hindering time and effort, and reducing the delivered business value. These may be issues like excessive code or functionality, development delays, vague requirements, and insufficient testing.
The Lean methodology focuses on eliminating these issues, learning the required technologies, and identifying the real needs of the project.
Bottom line
With a variety of methodologies for web development applicable to a different set of projects, developers have lots of options to build software that works flawlessly. Every approach has its own peculiarities and there is no silver bullet as the development process of each particular project might depend on several factors.
The SCAND web development team will be glad to help you choose the right methodology to deliver your project fast and on budget. Our 20+ years of experience in developing web projects allows us to suggest the best methodology that fits our customer expectations. Feel free to contact us with your project details.
FAQ: Understanding Software Development Methodologies
What are the most popular software development methodologies?
There are several widely used software development methodologies, each with its own advantages. Some of the most popular software development methodologies include Agile, Waterfall, Lean, Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Feature-Driven Development (FDD), and Dynamic Systems Development. Choosing the right software development methodology depends on your project size, development stages, and the level of freedom you seek.
What is the software development life cycle (SDLC)?
The software development life cycle (SDLC) refers to the structured process of creating software, which includes several stages of development: planning, design phase, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Traditional methodologies like the Waterfall development method require each phase to be completed before the next begins, while iterative software development methods allow more flexibility.
How do I choose the right software development methodology for my project?
The best software development methodology for your team depends on project complexity, timeline, budget, and the ability to adapt to changes. Agile methodology, for example, is best for projects that require flexibility, while the Waterfall approach is more suitable for projects with a well-defined volume and strict requirements.
What is Agile software development, and why is it so popular?
Agile software development is based on the Agile philosophy, which promotes iterative development, continuous collaboration, and adaptability. Agile methodologies provide project managers and developers with more control over the development process, allowing them to make adjustments as needed. This methodology works well for software development projects that change over time.
How does the Waterfall development method work?
The Waterfall approach follows a linear, sequential process where each development stage must be completed before the next begins. It is a traditional software development methodology that is best suited for projects with a fixed scope and minimal expected amendments. However, it increases the risk of delays if issues arise later in development.
What is Lean software development, and how does it differ from Agile?
Lean software development methodology focuses on eliminating waste and delivering value to the customer as quickly as possible. While it shares similarities with Agile, Lean methodology emphasizes optimizing the entire software development process by reducing unnecessary steps and maximizing productivity.
What is Scrum, and how does it fit into Agile development?
Scrum methodology is an Agile approach that organizes development work into small, time-boxed iterations called sprints. It allows development teams to adapt quickly to changes and continuously improve the product. Scrum is particularly suitable for development projects that require frequent updates and customer feedback.
What is Feature-Driven Development (FDD)?
Feature-Driven Development (FDD) is an iterative software development methodology that focuses on building and refining features based on user needs. It is best for teams working on large-scale software projects that require continuous feature upgrades.
What is Dynamic Systems Development, and when should it be used?
Dynamic Systems Development is an Agile-based methodology that prioritizes rapid delivery and continuous user involvement. It is ideal for projects where requirements are expected to change frequently.
What is Extreme Programming (XP), and how does it benefit web development projects?
Extreme Programming (XP) is an Agile software development methodology that emphasizes customer satisfaction, frequent releases, and high-quality code. Web developers benefit from XP’s focus on collaboration, test-driven development, and continuous feedback, ensuring the best results for software projects.
What is the Prototype Software Development Methodology?
Prototype software development methodology involves creating a prototype version of the final product early in the development process. This approach allows stakeholders to review and polish the design before full-scale development begins.
How do traditional methodologies compare to modern Agile approaches?
Traditional methodologies like Waterfall require detailed upfront planning and a fixed project scope, while modern Agile approaches offer more freedom and adaptability. Traditional software development methods provide structure but can be rigid, whereas Agile methodologies provide better control over the development process and faster iterations.
What role do development tools play in the software development process?
Development tools help streamline various stages of development, from coding and testing to deployment and monitoring. The right tools can improve collaboration and the overall quality of software projects.
Why is iterative software development important?
Iterative software development allows teams to build software in small, manageable cycles, incorporating feedback at each stage. It reduces the risk of failure and confirms that the final version of the product adheres to user expectations.
How do Lean and Kanban methodologies support software development?
Lean and Kanban methodologies focus on visualizing workflows, limiting work in progress, and continuously brushing up processes. They help teams better direct tasks and deliver high-quality software with minimal waste.