6 Basic SDLC Methodologies: Which One Is Best?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the software development world’s spellcheck. It can flag errors in software creation before they’re discovered in successive stages — and would cost a lot more to fix. But it’s much more than that: SDLC can also lay out a plan for getting everything right the first time.

The SDLC process involves several distinct stages, including planning, analysis, design, building, testing, deployment and maintenance. What’s the best SDLC methodology? Here are six models consider.

6 Software Development Life Cycle models

Each of these approaches varies in some ways from the others, but all have a common purpose: to help teams deliver high-quality software as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

1. Agile

The Agile model first emerged in 2001 and has since become the de facto industry standard. Some businesses value the Agile methodology so much that they apply it to other types of projects, including nontech initiatives.

In the Agile model, fast failure is a good thing. This approach produces ongoing release cycles, each featuring small, incremental changes from the previous release. At each iteration, the product is tested. The Agile model helps teams identify and address small issues on projects before they evolve into more significant problems, and it engages business stakeholders to give feedback throughout the development process.

As part of their embrace of this methodology, many teams also apply an Agile framework known as Scrum to help structure more complex development projects. Scrum teams work in sprints, which usually last two to four weeks, to complete assigned tasks. Daily Scrum meetings help the whole team monitor progress throughout the project. And the ScrumMaster is tasked with keeping the team focused on its goal.

2. Lean

The Lean model for software development is inspired by “lean” manufacturing practices and principles. The seven Lean principles (in this order) are: eliminate waste, amplify learning, decide as late as possible, deliver as fast as possible, empower the team, build in integrity and see the whole.

The Lean process is about working only on what must be worked on at the time, so there’s no room for multitasking. Project teams are also focused on finding opportunities to cut waste at every turn throughout the SDLC process, from dropping unnecessary meetings to reducing documentation.

The Agile model is actually a Lean method for the SDLC, but with some notable differences. One is how each prioritizes customer satisfaction: Agile makes it the top priority from the outset, creating a flexible process where project teams can respond quickly to stakeholder feedback throughout the SDLC. Lean, meanwhile, emphasizes the elimination of waste as a way to create more overall value for customers — which, in turn, helps to enhance satisfaction.

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3. Waterfall

Some experts argue that the Waterfall model was never meant to be a process model for real projects. Regardless, Waterfall is widely considered the oldest of the structured SDLC methodologies. It’s also a very straightforward approach: finish one phase, then move on to the next. No going back. Each stage relies on information from the previous stage and has its own project plan.

The downside of Waterfall is its rigidity. Sure, it’s easy to understand and simple to manage. But early delays can throw off the entire project timeline. With little room for revisions once a stage is completed, problems can’t be fixed until you get to the maintenance stage. This model doesn’t work well if flexibility is needed or if the project is long-term and ongoing.

Even more rigid is the related Verification and Validation model — or V-shaped model. This linear development methodology sprang from the Waterfall approach. It’s characterized by a corresponding testing phase for each development stage. Like Waterfall, each stage begins only after the previous one has ended. This SDLC model can be useful, provided your project has no unknown requirements.

4. Iterative

The Iterative model is repetition incarnate. Instead of starting with fully known requirements, project teams implement a set of software requirements, then test, evaluate and pinpoint further requirements. A new version of the software is produced with each phase, or iteration. Rinse and repeat until the complete system is ready.

Advantages of the Iterative model over other common SDLC methodologies is that it produces a working version of the project early in the process and makes it less expensive to implement changes. One disadvantage: Repetitive processes can consume resources quickly.

One example of an Iterative model is the Rational Unified Process (RUP), developed by IBM’s Rational Software division. RUP is a process product, designed to enhance team productivity for a wide range of projects and organizations.

RUP divides the development process into four phases:

• Inception, when the idea for a project is set
• Elaboration, when the project is further defined and resources are evaluated
• Construction, when the project is developed and completed
• Transition, when the product is released

Each phase of the project involves business modeling, analysis and design, implementation, testing, and deployment.

5. Spiral

One of the most flexible SDLC methodologies, Spiral takes a cue from the Iterative model and its repetition. The project passes through four phases (planning, risk analysis, engineering and evaluation) over and over in a figurative spiral until completed, allowing for multiple rounds of refinement.

The Spiral model is typically used for large projects. It enables development teams to build a highly customized product and incorporate user feedback early on. Another benefit of this SDLC model is risk management. Each iteration starts by looking ahead to potential risks and figuring out how best to avoid or mitigate them.

6. DevOps

The DevOps methodology is a relative newcomer to the SDLC scene. It emerged from two trends: the application of Agile and Lean practices to operations work, and the general shift in business toward seeing the value of collaboration between development and operations staff at all stages of the SDLC process.

In a DevOps model, Developers and Operations teams work together closely — and sometimes as one team — to accelerate innovation and the deployment of higher-quality and more reliable software products and functionalities. Updates to products are small but frequent. Discipline, continuous feedback and process improvement, and automation of manual development processes are all hallmarks of the DevOps model.

Amazon Web Services describes DevOps as the combination of cultural philosophies, practices, and tools that increases an organization’s ability to deliver applications and services at high velocity, evolving and improving products at a faster pace than organizations using traditional software development and infrastructure management processes. So like many SDLC models, DevOps is not only an approach to planning and executing work, but also a philosophy that demands a nontraditional mindset in an organization.

Choosing the right SDLC methodology for your software development project requires careful thought. But keep in mind that a model for planning and guiding your project is only one ingredient for success. Even more important is assembling a solid team of skilled talent committed to moving the project forward through every unexpected challenge or setback.

What to look for when hiring a software developer

Each of these SDLC methodologies boils down to one thing: teamwork. The right model helps coordinate your team as they deliver each project. It also helps sync their efforts with other teams, such as quality assurance and UX design. Most importantly, it helps projects stay focused on the end users’ needs.

If you’re bringing in a new developer or tech pro, it’s good to look for someone with experience in your preferred SDLC model. You also need to look for a candidate with soft skills like:

• Communication — Developers must communicate with teammates and stakeholders all the time. They need strong written and oral communication skills.
• Collaboration — The lone genius stereotype doesn’t work on a large software project. Each team member must be able to synchronize their efforts with that of their colleagues.
• Flexibility — Software development methodologies like Agile and DevOps are all about adapting and being flexible. Your new developer must be able to roll with any sudden changes in the project’s direction while also staying focused on the ultimate goal.
• Attention to detail — Developer errors can increase the duration of the software development life cycle. Even worse, an error or oversight could result in an unstable final product.
• Security consciousness — Given the rise in cybercrime, most software teams now take a security-first approach to software development. Everyone on the team must think about security and data privacy when making even the most seemingly minor changes.

Not all developers might have experience of your SDLC. For instance, some devs from an Agile background might not have worked in DevOps. But if they have the right mix of technical skills and soft skills, and if you offer adequate support, they could thrive in a new environment.

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