How are software development methods evolving, and what are the widely used methods and their reasons for popularity? Software development continually evolves, with emerging methods aimed at developing software faster and more efficiently. Initially, the industry relied on the waterfall method, followed by the adoption of agile methodology, and currently, the prevalent approach is DevOps. This article explores the contrasts between these methods, highlighting their respective advantages and drawbacks.
The waterfall method, introduced in 1970, is a conventional approach to software development. This method divides the development process into distinct phases: analysis of requirements and specifications, design, programming, testing, and the operational phase. In the waterfall model, each phase must be fully completed before proceeding to the next one.
This approach is widely recognised; every stage is meticulously documented, simplifying knowledge transfer. If a software developer departs from the project, another team member can effortlessly take their place.
As companies evolve and grow, the demand for flexible and responsive software has increased. However, the traditional waterfall methodology assumes that the software is complete at the end of the design phase, which can pose a challenge when companies require alterations post-design. In practice, companies frequently need to make modifications even after the design phase, rendering the waterfall method less effective in meeting their dynamic needs.
With this software development method, each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. This creates a well-structured process, but it also slows down the work. For example, the design phase can take a long time. Certain software parts have often been planned, but the programmers cannot start working on them with this method.
Agile originated in 2001 when several software developers created the Agile Manifesto. It outlines all the key points for software development. The 12 principles of Agile are as follows:
Rapid and continuous delivery of software leads to customer satisfaction.
Late changes in customer requirements are welcomed.
Deliver new, well-functioning software every few weeks.
Collaboration between software developers and those who know the organisation well.
Motivated and reliable people carry out the projects.
Software development always continues.
Continuous attention to technical quality and good design.
The design is adapted to the circumstances.
Simplicity is essential.
Teams organise themselves.
Communication always takes the form of a conversation.
Progress is delivering working software.
Agile is essentially a philosophy for software developers in which the ability to respond to change and rapidly deliver software is paramount. The customer is central, and there is a direct response to any changes in requirements or circumstances. One of the most well-known forms of Agile is the Scrum framework.
Agile has no long delivery cycles, and software is delivered quickly. Many companies that have adopted Agile have seen their time-to-market decrease by 40% to 75%.
In Agile, the customer is involved throughout the entire process. This means the project can be adjusted anytime, and designers and customers remain in continuous dialogue.
Incorporating customer adjustments and requirements during software development produces a high-quality product. Each end product is thoroughly tested, which allows any errors to be quickly discovered.
Agile requires a significant change in mindset, which is different from traditional software development. Employees need to be trained in this way of working, which can require effort, but the rewards can be substantial.
DevOps goes further than Agile. These two methods can be well combined. DevOps is coupling development (Dev) and operations (Ops). It is a way of software development that connects people, workflows, and technology to deliver continuous value. DevOps has the following components:
Planning and tracking
Development
Building and testing
Delivery
Monitoring
Operations
In DevOps, collaboration is key to creating a new product as efficiently as possible. Cross-functional teamwork leads to a better working environment and effective teams.
You remain continuously involved in all software development and delivery phases with DevOps. It is an ongoing process that never stops. The goal is to make releases faster and more reliable.
Many companies lose time on manual tasks within their development processes, such as building manual tests or production builds. With DevOps, this can be completely automated, freeing your team to focus on the tasks that matter.
With DevOps, organisations can adapt more swiftly to changing market demands, enabling continuous innovation and sustainable growth. This agility helps the organisation respond promptly to emerging issues and anticipate and mitigate potential problems before they escalate. By fostering an environment that supports flexibility and responsiveness, DevOps transforms an organisation into a dynamic entity capable of thriving in a fast-paced technological landscape.
DevOps practices facilitate faster software development cycles, resulting in a higher frequency of releases. Continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines automate the build, test, and deployment processes, reducing the time from code commit to production release. This rapid delivery model ensures that new features, updates, and bug fixes reach users more quickly, enhancing the overall user experience and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
DevOps emphasises continuous monitoring and automated testing, ensuring the software is consistently high in quality and reliability. By identifying and addressing bugs and errors in real time, DevOps reduces downtime and enhances system stability. This proactive approach to maintenance and improvement results in dependable software that meets end-user expectations, leading to higher customer satisfaction and trust.
DevOps bridges the gap between development and operations teams by promoting a culture of shared responsibility and collaboration. Developers and operational teams work together, integrating their workflows and aligning their goals. This synergy leads to more efficient processes as teams leverage each other's strengths and expertise. The collaborative environment also fosters better communication, reduces silos, and accelerates problem-solving, ultimately saving time and resources.
While DevOps offers substantial benefits, the implementation process can be demanding. Transitioning to a DevOps model requires significant organisational culture, processes, and tools changes. The entire team must be committed to cross-functional collaboration and continuous learning. Traditional organisations, where roles and responsibilities are rigidly defined, may face challenges in adopting DevOps practices. Overcoming resistance to change and aligning the team with DevOps principles can be complex and time-consuming, but the long-term advantages make it a worthwhile endeavour.
If you seek additional guidance on selecting and implementing the appropriate software development method, we can help ensure the process runs smoothly. Please do not hesitate to contact us to obtain further information and schedule a complimentary consultation. Alternatively, you can read more about our services and how we can cater to your specific needs.
The evolution of software development refers to the changes and advancements that have occurred in the field of software development over time, from the early days of computer programming to the present day.
Some early software development methods included the Waterfall method, which involved a sequential approach to software development, and the Spiral model, which incorporated elements of risk management into the development process.
Agile software development is a modern approach to software development that emphasises collaboration, flexibility, and rapid iteration.
As a dedicated Marketing & Sales Executive at Tuple, I leverage my digital marketing expertise while continuously pursuing personal and professional growth. My strong interest in IT motivates me to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
