Custom software development is crucial because it can assist address specific needs at a price that is comparable with buying, maintaining, and modifying commercial software or an off-the-shelf solution.
It is essentially the type of custom software development methodology used to develop the application that makes a custom built solution competitive and fair priced.
It is crucial that the project's goals, definitions, and objectives are made apparent when the application development stage is still in its infancy. Selecting a development process or a methodology is an important choice when creating custom software. It is only after meticulously studying every aspect of the project this choice can be made.
Custom software application development companies can begin the project's initial phases once the project's complexities, client demand, and resource availability have been thoroughly examined.
Predominant Methodologies Employed to Build Custom Software
Once the project requirements are clearly understood it becomes visibly apparent the software development methodology that can be employed for the project – based on how they could fit into your project and its end goals.
The team management approach, the software development methodologies employed and the system used will have a significant impact on the outcome of your project.
Lets understand the most popular development methodologies and what are the scenarios they can be employed.
1. Feature Driven Development: When User Feedback is the Basis for New Feature Inclusions
Feature Driven Development(FDD) structures software development around the advancement of features based on user feedback. However, features in the FDD context are not always considered to be product features in the conventional sense.
They could also resemble Scrum user stories more so than anything else. These are in the form of tiny time boxes that indicate what are the improvements or additions that need to be made to the application.
Coming to a broader perspective – features are incorporated into the system in response to user feedback. The project is carried out entirely on the basis of features, from designing, building and deployment of the application. Iterations are used in this methodology to increase productivity and functionality.
This aids in addressing various complications that may arise during the progress of the project. This strategy's primary goal is to organise the work of numerous teams under the control of the organisation through feature-driven development.
2. Prototype Model: When Consumers Need to Monitor Project Progress
The prototype of the software being built serves as a version for various tests to be run and changes to be made. The process is repeated until a flawless product that can be produced as a final product is achieved. The software development paradigm enables consumers to examine and verify developer concepts prior to implementation.
This method of software development suggests that there are numerous steps taken in the building of a programme that must be thoroughly assessed at each stage. It's critical to comprehend the program's needs and undertake the necessary market research if one wants to develop a decent software prototype.
This is the fundamental idea behind the prototype approach, which enables developers to merely produce a prototype of the solution to essentially show their clients. Based on the client's feedback, the appropriate revisions can be incorporated on the prototype.
3. Waterfall Methodology: For a Sequential Project Development Approach
The Waterfall technique, often referred to as the Waterfall model, is a sequential development process that moves like a waterfall through all project phases such as analysis, design, development, and testing, with each phase finishing up completely before the start of the next.
However, in general, the waterfall approach's tasks can be divided into five stages: planning, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance.
The waterfall approach in project management is one of the most well-known and established processes for creating custom software. It stands for the traditional life-cycle method of developing software. It is a strict model that adheres to a specific pattern.
Any phase cannot be replaced. It is a basic requirement that one phase comes after another. The waterfall methodology's sequential flow requires the software development company to adhere to strict guidelines and ensures that no component can overlap another.
The steps of the waterfall method must be followed by the developers. It is key to note that the developer can only move on to the next stage after the previous one is finished.
4 Agile Software Development Methodology: When Project is Executed in Iterations
The term Agile Software Development refers to a collection of iterative software development approaches in which requirements and solutions are developed in concert by self-organising and cross-functional teams.
In an Agile methodology individuals and interactions take precedence over processes and tools, functional software over in-depth documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and adapting to change takes priority over sticking to a plan.
Particularly in the circuits of technology, change is permanent. The Agile software development process allows for sporadic alterations in the creation of custom software while the project is being created. The model must be adaptable if the modifications are to be consistently ingrained into the application.
The Agile development methodology can be the perfect solution to such a requirement. Because it lets developers produce bespoke software in tiny time intervals also known as iterations, it aids in the reduction of risks.
5. Joint Application Development: When you Need to Minimise Project Complexity at the Initial Phase
The Joint Application Development(JAD) method streamlines and accelerates the design and development of IT solutions. In order to effectively represent the user's perception of the business requirement and to jointly build a solution, it uses consumer involvement and understanding of group dynamics i.e. the way people interact with the application being enhanced and improvised.
This strategy requires constant communication between users, designers, and developers. Several workshops are held to get the general idea of the project during the development process.
The participants in these meetings include end users, mediators, observers, facilitators, and a group of subject-matter experts. This method's primary goal is to minimise and completely get rid of any problems that might occur during the initial phases of creating custom software.
Wrapping it Up
It is crucial to use the right custom software development methodology in order to achieve the desired level of outcomes in the development operations. Therefore Deventure advises businesses to dedicate quality time for goal definition, budget estimation, and team bundling before beginning a project.
This would make the project focus more distinct and clear.
The type of your project will ultimately determine which software design methodologies are popular, which are not and which one you would want to go with. Organisations must come into consensus with the software solution provider to find the best fit feasible ‒ given that every system used has a unique set of advantages and downsides.
Before you say anything final to your software customers, you must carefully consider every element of the process.
So, whatever be your project requirement, our team of experts at Deventure can help you zero in on an apt software development methodology.
So what are you waiting for? Connect with us today.
