Which Software Development Life Cycle Is Best?
You have probably heard this phrase "If you fail to plan perfectly, you plan to fail in your business! This philosophy is proving to be extremely efficient, especially in mobile app development projects. It brings me closure to the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) Model. The software development life cycle helps improve the entire software development process by enabling process analysis. Using this model, especially the Agile SDLC model, businesses can increase efficiency at every step. In addition, this model also helps companies decrease costs, meet customer needs, and facilitates quick software delivery to run your project smoothly. So, what is the SDLC model, and which methodologies are best for your business?
What is the Software Development Life Cycle Model?
The software development life cycle is a methodology to ensure development, quality, functioning, testing, and software deployment. This methodology creates software with the highest quality, lowest cost, and least time possible. It puts more effort into meeting customer needs with detailed structure and specifications. Let’s have a look at different stages of the SDLC life cycle below. As per your market, project context, and business requirements, you can choose which SDLC methodology is best for your business.Top Five SDLC Models with pros and cons
SDLC #1 - Waterfall Model
The first-ever, simplest SDLC model of a software development project is a waterfall. The development process in this model is linear and all the phases are completed one by one. As its name implies, the progress of development flows downwards. Phases of the Waterfall model:- Requirements
- Design
- Implementation
- Integration and testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
- Well defined development stages and phases
- Easy and efficient planning
- It is easy to verify errors.
- Well documented process
- Stable requirements
- Products with a clear vision
- Quick development
SDLC #2 - V model software development
Also known as the validation model, the V model is considered the best software development life cycle methodology. In this model, the progress doesn’t move in straight lines but grows upwards after coding and implementation. In this methodology, there is a testing process that verifies and validates every step before leaping forward to the next step. Why choose the V-model for software development?- Clearly laid out deliverables
- Better results because of early testing
- Every stage is validated.
- Smooth and efficient bug fixing
- Easy progress tracking
SDLC #3 - Iterative and Incremental Model
This model essentially brings together an iterative design with an incremental development model that makes it a perfect SDLC methodology for business. In this model, the development process starts with the simple implementation of basic product necessities. Why choose an Iterative and Incremental Model?- It produces quick value for the business
- Need limited resources
- Flexible model and easy to use
- Facilitates quick bug detection
- Complicated projects like ERP systems
- Development Projects with strict requirements
- Projects with well-defined requirements
- Products with high-risk features
SDLC #4 - Agile Model
Agile is one of the best software development life cycle models many business owners choose. This model is a combination of an incremental and iterative approach. It is focused on setting flexible requirements. In this software development method, the project is separated into small parts and is delivered in iterations. Why choose the Agile Model for software development projects?- Quick development
- Quality and measurable results
- Requires minimum resources
- Highly adaptive to changing requirements
SDLC #5 - The Rapid Application Development Model
A combination of iterative and prototyping models, this SDLC methodology is best for business. It has no or minimum planning involved. It required data curated through workshops, focus groups, and prototypes. The functional phases in this methodology build parallel to the prototype and are integrated with the final product quickly. In this model, the software is developed and tested in a series of short iterative development cycles. RAD Model Phases:- Business Modeling
- Data Modeling
- Process Modeling
- Testing & Turnover
- Accommodates changing requirements
- It is easy to measure progress.
- Reduce iteration time with powerful RAD tools
- Higher productivity
- Quick development
- Reusable components
- Better chance to get customer feedback
- Modularized systems
- Design-based projects
- Projects with automated code generating functionality
- Projects with changing requirements
