Topic 8

Major development methodologies used in software development are:

Waterfall:

This is the 1st development methodology used for software development since 1970.

This development methodology is a linear model that consists of five sequential phases (requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance).

Each phase must be completed before starting on the next phase.

This development methodology is easier to understand and manage by less experience software developers.

Rapid Application Development (RAD):

This development methodology has been used for software development since 1991.

This development methodology is an iterative model that consists of four phases (requirements planning, user design, construction, cutover).

The user design and construction phases are repeated until the client has approved that all requirements have been met.

This development methodology allows for testing prototypes of the software before releasing the final version to the client.

Rational Unified Process (RUP):

This development methodology has been used for software development since 1998.

This development methodology is an iterative model that consists of four phases (inception, elaboration, construction, transition).

Each phase covers six disciplines (business modelling, requirements, analysis and design, implementation, testing, deployment).

Each phase can be repeated until all requirements have been met.

This development methodology allows for developing high quality software within the allocated budget and time frame.