Question

Discuss using relevant research the role, advantages and disadvantages of software methodologies?

Answer 1

• what is software methodology?
• A software methodology in software engineering is a type of framework that is used to structure, plan and control the process of developing an information system.
• It is also known as system development methodology.
• There are few software methodologies for the software development and we will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of software methodologies.

• The Below are the mainly used software development methodologies :-

1. Waterfall model
2. prototype model
3. joint application development
4. spiral model

• Now, we will discuss the role of the model along with advantages and disadvantages.we will discuss them one by one.

1. Waterfall model :-

• This waterfall model is commonly used software development methodologies for software development.
• and this life cycle model is often considered as the classic style of the software development.
• This development approach does not define the process to go back to the previous phase to handle changes in requirements.
• This model is done in a linear sequential flow that means that any phase in the development process begins only if the earlier phase is completed.

• Advantages of waterfall model :-
• Waterfall model is very simple and easy to understand.
• it is easy to manage, because of the rigidity of the model. Moreover, each phase has specific deliverables and individual review process.
• and this model works more effectively in the smaller projects where requirements are very well understood.
• The testing is easier here.

• Disadvantages of waterfall model :-
• This model is not applicable for maintenance type of projects.
• There is no possibility to produce any working software until it reaches the last stage of the cycle.
• In this model, there is no option to know the end result of the entire project.
• This model is good for a small project but not ideally suitable for long and ongoing projects.

    2. Prototype model :-

• The prototype methodology is the software development process which allows developers to create only the prototype of the solution to demonstrate its functionality to the clients and make necessary modifications before developing the actual application.
• The best feature of this software development methodologies is that it solves many issues which often occur in a traditional waterfall model.

• Advantages of Prototype model :-
• The communication between software development team and the client makes very good and conducive environment during a project.
• It helps in requirement gathering and requirement analysis when there is lack of requirement documents.
• When a prototype is shown to the clients, they get a clear understanding and complete 'feel' of the functionality of the software.

• Disadvantages of prototype model :-
• Too much involvement of client is not always favored by the software developer.
• Prototyping is usually done at the cost of the developer so, it is should be done using minimal resources otherwise organization’s development cost stretch too much.
• Prototyping is usually done at the cost of the developer so, it is should be done using minimal resources otherwise organization’s development cost stretch too much.

     3. Joint application development :-

• Joint application development(JAD) is a requirements-definition and user-interface development methodology in which end-users,clients and developers attend intense off-site meetings to work out and finalize software systems.
• This methodology aims to involve the client in the design and development of an application.

• Advantages of JAD :-
• This model provides a forum to explore multiple points of view regarding a topic.
• This software development mode effectively produces large amounts of high-quality information in a short period of time.
• This methodology allows for the simultaneous gathering and consolidating of large amounts of information.

• Disadvantages of JAD :-
• It requires significant investor commitment in terms of the time and effort.
• JAD methodology takes a large amount of time as it requires significant planning and scheduling effort on the part of the project development team.

4. Spiral model :-

• This model is a sophisticated model that focuses on early identification and reduction of project risks.
• The success of any Spiral Life cycle Model depends on the reliable, attentive, and knowledgeable management of the project.

• Advantages of spiral model :-
• it is more suited for high-risk projects, where business needs may differ from time to time basis.
• In the spiral model, additional functionality can be added at a later date.
• This model is good for large size and critical projects.
• The high amount of risk analysis hence, avoidance of possible risk is certainly reduced.

• Disadvantages of spiral model :-
• It is certainly the costly model to use in terms of development.
• It is not appropriate for low-risk projects.
• The success of the entire project is dependent on the risk analysis phase thus, failure in this phase may damage entire project.
• The big risk of this methodology is that it may continue indefinitely and never finish.

• These are the advantages and disadvantages of most commonly used software methodologies.

Thank You...!