You Can Deliver an Unparalleled Customer Experience 
Are you considering developing custom software to quicken your company’s digital transformation? So, you may have heard of or will soon hear about software development models. The software development life cycle (SDLC) model combines a number of phases, from conceptualization to design, release, and maintenance, with the goal of obviating the thrilling but difficult process of custom software development.
However, as digitization increased, a number of SDLC models proliferated on the market, each with their own advantages, disadvantages, and use cases.
These numerous software development models affect the price, product quality, and time to market of the product, in addition to how your development teams arrange and carry out the various stages of the development process.
Hence, here we have chosen the top nine SDLC models widely recognized for their efficacy and business impact.
Why Do You Need a Software Development Model?
Before proceeding with the top nine software development models for your project, let us first discuss why you need an SDLC model. What is its significance in enhancing your software development life cycle? Here are some strong reasons that will give you the answer to why following a specific software development model is essential:
You Get a Structured Approach to Software Development
The foremost benefit of adopting a development model in software engineering is that it provides a structured framework and guidelines for the entire development process. SDL models outline the sequence of activities, milestones, and deliverables that one has to follow for the proper implementation of the digital solution. It also helps you to better plan, coordinate, and take real-time updates about your project in a fixed sequence for efficient project tracking.
Software Development Models Offer a Clear Direction
Clear guidance is another compelling argument for using a software development model when creating your projects. We are all aware that enterprise software development is intricate and involves many different elements, including consultation, UI/UX, programming, testing, and more.
Software development lifecycle models provide a clear direction for the project in this scenario by outlining its aims and objectives. When you hire developers on contract for your project, the SDLC model provides them and the stakeholders with specific rules and expectations, ensuring that everyone is on the same page with the project’s goals. With a clear vision, you can make better judgments, monitor your progress, lessen unexpected events and rework requirements, and reduce potential conflicts.
Effective Compliance and Risk Management is Possible
It should come as no surprise that developing any kind of custom enterprise solution has some level of risk. These hazards may be connected to cybersecurity, finance, or other issues. Software development models are useful in this situation.
Proactive risk management is possible in software engineering with a clearly defined development model. Early in the process, it is simple to identify potential risks and obstacles, allowing the team to prepare mitigation techniques and allocate resources appropriately. The Agile development technique, for instance, divides your project into numerous sprints, each of which is tested and quality-checked before the final release. As a result, you can find even the smallest errors before they have a chance to affect project costs and timeframes.
Better Resource Optimization
Resource utilization is the most critical part of custom software development. When you hire dedicated resources on contract for your project, you have to be very careful in optimizing their work so that your project’s cost does not increase. For that, following a suitable software development model is essential. A suitable SDLC model helps in estimating the required resources, including human resources, technology, and infrastructure, right from the initial stages. With this information in hand, you can easily select the right number of developers, optimize productivity, and avoid bottlenecks.
You Can Deliver an Unparalleled Customer Experience
Finally, using a proper software engineering development model enables you to concentrate on developing a unique solution that satisfies client needs and expectations. Iterative improvements are made possible by the process, which makes sure that consumer feedback is taken into account at every stage of development.
The perfect illustration of this strategy is MVP development, in which a minimal viable product is introduced and scaled up in response to consumer feedback. A software development model aids in developing a digital product that matches your customers’ needs and increases their satisfaction and loyalty by placing a high priority on customer satisfaction.
9 Key Software Development Models to Unlock Success for Your Project
So, now that you have understood the importance of software development life cycle models let us quickly explore the top nine models that can prove beneficial for streamlining your software product development process. We have mentioned the pros, cons, and use cases of each of these SDLC models to help you select the most feasible one for your project.
Waterfall Model
The Waterfall model is the oldest and most established method for developing software. This software engineering development model adopts a linear methodology that begins with requirement analysis and finishes with maintenance. The Waterfall software development approach gets its name from the fact that each phase flows downward and that the start of the subsequent phase cannot occur before the conclusion of the preceding phase.
For projects with clear needs and reliable technologies, the Waterfall SDLC model is appropriate. Software development will take longer and cost more money if you need to make adjustments to the previous stage. This is due to the fact that the developers must return to the earlier stage and can only proceed after it is finished.
Pros
- Simple and easy to understand
- Well-defined stages and deliverables
- Clear documentation
- Suitable for projects with stable and fixed requirements
Cons
- Limited flexibility for changes
- No room for customer input until the end
- Long and costly development cycles
- High risk of late-stage flaws or errors discovery
Where to Use
- Projects with well-defined and stable requirements
- Projects where upfront planning is crucial
Also Read: The Future of AI in Software Development
Iterative and Incremental Model
The next best software development model which is used for custom solutions development is the Iterative and Incremental model. This methodology divides your project into small manageable iterations, each creating a specific facet of your project. In each iteration, a particular aspect of the project is created and tested for bugs. That eventually results in better management, business-focused development, and quality testing. Furthermore, you also get a quality product in less time without any surprises. The incremental aspect ensures that the software grows in features with each iteration. However, managing timelines can be challenging when using this software development life cycle model.
Pros
- You can easily implement customer feedback to make a user-centric product
- Early delivery of your custom software and more time to market
- This methodology allows for changes and improvements throughout the development process
- It mitigates risk and uncertainties incrementally without disturbing the previous cycle
Cons
- It requires continuous communication and collaboration
- This SDLC model can be challenging to manage and estimate timelines
Where to Use
- Projects with evolving requirements
- Complex and long-term projects
Spiral Model
Next comes the Spiral software development model, which is an improvement of the Iterative and Incremental methodology. But how are these two SDLC models similar? Well, the Spiral model not only employs the same methodology as the Iteration model but also incorporates a component for risk analysis. This process for developing software begins with planning and goes through risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation.
The main disadvantage of this process is how each cycle lengthens the time required for software development. Customer feedback is not collected during the development phase. The Spiral software development approach works well for complicated projects where regular risk assessment is essential.
Pros
- Risk-driven approach, early risk identification, and mitigation
- Accommodates changes and iterations
- Flexibility in selecting development strategies
Cons
- Complex and expensive to implement
- Less time to market products
- Requires experienced personnel for risk analysis and management
Where to Use
- Projects with high uncertainties and evolving requirements
- Large-scale and long-term projects
- It can be used in projects where risk assessment is a priority
V Model
A different method of software development that has to be mentioned is the V model. An expansion of the Waterfall software development model, V model emphasizes the relationship between each development phase and its corresponding testing phase. It offers a method for concurrent development and testing, where the results of each stage are checked during the associated testing phase. This ensures that quality control is a top priority throughout the whole development process. Like the Waterfall approach, the V model could struggle to adapt to changes made during development.
Pros
- Emphasizes verification and validation activities
- Thorough documentation and reviews
- A clear and structured approach
Cons
- Strict and rigid adherence to the process may hinder productivity
- Limited flexibility for changes during development
Where to Use
- Projects with high criticality and safety regulations
- Projects with well-defined and strict requirements
Also Read: How to Hire Dedicated Software Development Team?
Prototyping Model
The Prototyping model, as its name suggests, comprises starting with a small-scale prototype of the project and then scaling it up in response to user input. But why is that necessary? The project is built in stages and the feedback is continually incorporated, thereby eliminating rework and surprises. According to user feedback, the prototype is tested and modified by the developers. The developers won’t start working on the solution until after the final prototype has been approved. Prototyping is useful for tasks with uncertain or flexible requirements.
Pros
- Allows for early feedback and customer involvement
- Provides a visual representation of the software
- Reduces risk of miscommunication and requirements misunderstanding
Cons
- Not suitable for complex or large-scale projects
- It may require additional time and resources for prototyping
Where to Use
- Projects with rapid and frequent changes in requirements
- Projects where user experience and interface design are critical
Agile Software Development Models – Unlocking Innovation and Profitability
Scrum Model
Coming to Agile development methodologies, the first type of model which is widely used by any leading enterprise software development company is the Scrum model. It is an Agile methodology that promotes flexibility, collaboration, and real-time project monitoring. The Scrum model divides your project into simple and manageable sprints.
These time-bound sprints typically last for 1-4 weeks, and each of the sprints involves planning, development, testing, and review. In this model, the client’s feedback is implemented constantly into the sprints, thereby helping them get business-focused software solutions.
Moreover, the chances of rework and extensive testing are also reduced as the project is monitored constantly after each sprint is launched.
Pros
- Iterative development with regular feedback
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration
- Faster delivery of working software
Cons
- Requires Scrum Master and team
- It can be challenging to estimate timelines and costs accurately
Where to Use
- Projects with evolving requirements
- Cross-functional and self-organizing teams
Lean Model
Another popular Agile development methodology that is adopted by the leading software development companies is the Lean methodology. The Lean software development model takes inspiration from lean manufacturing principles, which focus on maximizing value and minimizing waste in the development process.
In other words, this software development life cycle model identifies and eliminates all the less priority and non-essential tasks, reducing bottlenecks and optimizing workflows. This robust software development model was developed in Japan by the Toyota Corporation in the mid-20th century. Dropbox is a leading example that was developed using the Lean software development methodology.
Pros
- Streamlined and waste-free approach
- Maximizes value for the customer
- Continuous improvement and customer focus
Cons
- Requires a culture of continuous improvement
- Lack of upfront planning/documentation may be challenging for some projects
Where to Use
- Projects focused on efficiency and value delivery
- Product improvement projects
Also Read: Benefits of Hiring Agile Software Development Company
Kanban Model
The next strong Agile software development model on the list is Kanban. In the 1940s, Taiichi Ohno and his colleagues at Toyota created the Kanban software development model as a component of the Toyota Production System (TPS). Making a visual board that shows tasks at various stages of development is part of the SDLC paradigm. In the end, this makes it easier for your development team to see all the processes, manage their workload, set priorities, and maintain a consistent flow of work. Kanban is appropriate for teams that need to be adaptable and quick to react to changes.
Pros
- Focuses on efficiency and continuous flow
- Enables monitoring of work progress in real-time
- Flexibility to adapt to changes quickly
Cons
- Limited for projects with complex dependencies
- Requires clear prioritization of work items
Where to Use
- Projects with continuous workflow and quick turnaround time
- Support and maintenance projects
Extreme Programming (XP) Model
Extreme Programming is a method of Agile development that emphasizes teamwork and continuous feedback to produce high-quality software. In this approach to software development, the practices of pair programming, test-driven development, continuous integration, and frequent releases are given priority. XP makes an effort to enhance communication and code quality as demands evolve.
Pros
- Emphasizes collaboration and communication
- Rapid feedback and continuous improvement
- Focuses on quality and customer satisfaction
Cons
- Requires a high level of customer involvement
- It may not be suitable for large teams or projects
Where to Use
- Projects with frequent requirement changes
- Projects with a high focus on quality and customer feedback
How to Choose the Best Software Model for Your Project?
With these and so many other software development models prevalent in the market, it can obviously become a daunting task to choose one for your project. Furthermore, even the slightest mistake in choosing the SDLC model can result in huge monetary and brand reputation losses.
Hence, as a leading staff augmentation service provider with expertise in software development, here we have listed the top factors to consider while finding the perfect software development model for your project!
Project Requirements
The foremost factor to consider while choosing the best software development model is your project requirements. If you have a complex project with rapid and frequent changes, then the Prototyping software development model will be best suited. On the other hand, in a project where client involvement is maximum and real-time monitoring is required, the Agile methodology will be the perfect fit.
Development Time
Another critical aspect to consider while selecting a software development life cycle model is the timeframe. Answering questions like how soon you want to launch the project, how much time you have for marketing, and whether or not you can ask for an extension affects your choice of software development model.
Project’s Size and Scope
The number of stakeholders involved in the project, its size, and what modules it will have, affect the choice of software development model. For instance, if you have a well-defined requirement, then the Waterfall software development model will be beneficial. However, if you require consulting services, then the Scrum model will be the best fit.
Compliances Involved
The risks and regulations involved with your project also determine the choice of the development model in software engineering. For instance, the Spiral model and V model are widely used in projects where risk assessment and compliance are at their peak. Hence, if you have a similar requirement, then consider choosing between these two models.
Involvement in the Project
Lastly, the involvement of the clients in the project also determines the best software development model for your project. If you want to implement your feedback at every stage while constantly monitoring the development process, then consider choosing the Agile software development model.
Also Read: How to Develop a New Software Product?
Final Takeaway!
So, these were the top software development models that you can adopt for your project. Now, most of you might be seeking an answer to which is the best software development life cycle model which fulfills all the criteria. Well, the answer is – nothing. Every SDLC model has its own pros and cons. Each of them is useful in different scenarios, and hence, the best fit would only depend on your requirements.
But if you seek one that is most suitable in almost every situation, it would be the Agile software development model. Whether we talk about the Scrum model or the Lean software development model, the Agile methodologies perfectly fit the needs of every project while ensuring real-time project monitoring and proper feedback implementation.
You can get involved at every stage and ensure a business-focused product that best fits your business needs. Moreover, it also offers you the chance to break your complex project into simple and manageable sprints. Hence, when seeking a software development partner, always go for the one that follows the Agile development methodology.
Do you want to know more about the Agile methodology for your project? We are here to help you. Connect with our experts over a free 30-min consultation call and get answers to all your questions! Fill out our form to book a free consultation slot for your project.
