Software has become the lifeline of every organization. Gone are the days when businesses could operate without the assistance of software. Companies that fail to leverage software fail to make their business operations efficient and end up collapsing.
Currently, software infrastructure has become a necessity and serves as a valuable asset regardless of which industry you operate in. It also ensures accountability and viability. As there are different software development processes, it is crucial that you pick the right process.
To help you with the software development process, we share the best tips to select the right process.
Software Development Processes
Before we cover how you can choose the right software development process, we take a close look at the most commonly used software development processes as mentioned below.
- Waterfall Model: Considered to be the oldest software development process, the waterfall model is a traditional technique that is highly effective. It is a model that has clearly defined sequential phases and objectiveness where immediate reviews are made to meet the requirements of each phase before proceeding with the next phase.
- Iterative Model: An incremental approach to software development that begins with a partially completed product and integrates more features gradually until it is completed.
- Agile: The method focuses on accomplishment in bits and stages, just like the iterative model. However, Agile offers faster progress and expedites the time frame by ensuring collaboration and flexibility.
Top Tips to Select the Right Development Process
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Determine the Level of Flexibility of Software Requirements
One of the most important tips that will help you choose the right software development process is determining the level of flexibility of software requirements. Agile and Iterative methods are suitable for software product development which allow for changes to be made frequently throughout the development.
On the other hand, the Waterfall method is geared towards classic custom software development, which requires stability and predictability.
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Define the End-Users Clearly
Next, you have to clearly define the end-users of the product. If you are targeting a particular group of end-users, you will have a set of requirements to work with. In such a situation, the Waterfall method would be the best fit.
However, if the requirements of the end-users are dispersed, you would need to cater to a huge amount of feedback once the software is launched. Thus, you would have to opt for Agile or Iteration methods.
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Consider the Scope and Scale of the Development
To determine the right software development process, you have to consider the entire scale of the project. The larger a project, the larger the size of the development team. When working on a large project, you would need to ensure that everything is elaborate. Hence, an orderly project management plan such as the Waterfall method would be the best option.
Whether you want to design a digital marketing app or any other type of app, you must determine its scope and scale.
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Determine the Development Speed
Next, you must determine the development speed to ensure that it is suitable. Generally, the development unfolds through sprints would be well suited for Agile and Iterative methods as they facilitate the release of a partially completed product. Moreover, these methods allow for quick progression.
For products that have a longer time frame and that do not have a fast-approaching deadline, the Waterfall method would prove to be most effective.
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Consider the Location of the Team
Today, software development teams are spread out, and some even work in different time zones. If your development team is branched out, you will need to ensure immense accountability, intense coherence, and outstanding coordination.
In such a situation, you would need to adopt a more rigid process. Thus, the Waterfall method should fit the bill as Agile, and Iterative methods require frequent contact and a closely-knit team. If a dispersed team opts for the Agile method, there would be massive confusion.
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Investigate Test Cycles
Lastly, you need to investigate the test cycles when selecting the software development process. Have a clear understanding of the testing methodologies and quality control measures that are necessary for ensuring the success of the project. It will allow you to get started with the most suitable process.
Select the Best Developers
The members you select for a team will make or break the effectiveness of the process. This is why you need to be careful when choosing teammates. Here is how you can select the best developers for the project.
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Analyze Track Record
The first thing that you need to do when selecting team members is analyzed their track record of success. You need to ensure that you choose people who have a proven record of successful and reliable development of products that are similar to the ones that you work on.
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Consider the Size of the Team
Next, you must determine the size of the team to decide which developers to choose. The people you select should have an easy time taking on projects and working with others. A capable developer is someone who is a team player and knows how to collaborate to bring products to life while ensuring that the time frame and budget requirements are met.
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Determine Project Development Methodologies
When creating the software development team, you have to consider the project development methodologies. Check to see if the methodologies suit the candidates you choose for the team. It will ensure that the team adapts to the requirements of your organization.
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Consider the Location
Location is something that you have to consider when selecting the software development team. Although it has become extremely easy to employ people from different parts of the world, you need to make sure that the location of each candidate is suitable to the methodologies of the organization.
Make sure that the candidates you choose for the project are aware of time management and understand that they will need to work at irregular times to ensure their successful completion.
The Different Phases of Software Development
When it comes to software development, there are various phases that each product has to undergo, as mentioned below.
- Identification of Require Stage: The first stage requires identification of the type of software that you need to develop along with the end-users you hope to target.
- Software Requirement Analysis: Next, you need to analyze the software you want to develop. It will enable you to determine the manpower and capacity required for the development.
- Detailed Specification of the Requirements: To know the exact tools needed for designing the software, you need to look into the detailed specification of the requirements.
- Software Design: It is a crucial phase as it requires you to think about the type of structure your coding will need before you start programming. It will help you plan ahead and save time.
- Programming: It is the process of instructing the computer to perform tasks using a computer language like Python or Java.
- Testing and Maintenance: Lastly, the software will need to be tested and maintained once it goes live.
Summary
Now that you know how to choose the right software development process, you will be able to streamline operations. Start by determining the flexibility and scope of the project. Then, consider its time frame and testing cycle to pick out the best process.
