Traditional vs Adaptive

There are several methodologies of software development that have evolved based on set patterns observed over time. 

Looking for a more structured software development process? It depends on your team size, goals, and other factors regarding the right software development methodology. We've rounded up the most popular and recognized software development methodologies to help you decide.

Agile

The Agile methodology was developed as a response to growing frustrations with Waterfall and other highly structured, inflexible methodologies. As a result, this methodology accommodates change and facilitates software production more quickly.

An agile approach emphasizes individual relationships and interactions rather than tools; customer collaboration is emphasized throughout the development process; it responds to changes rather than following a set-in-stone plan; and it emphasizes the presentation of working software instead of documentation.

As a collaborative process, Agile focuses on team strengths and efficiency, as well as client and internal feedback. The Agile approach focuses on continuously delivering working, tested, and prioritized features to achieve client satisfaction.

Scrum

Using the Agile approach, Scrum follows Agile's philosophy and foundational beliefs of collaborating heavily and daily between teams and developers.

Software is developed with Scrum using an iterative approach where the team is at the center. Experienced and disciplined workers on smaller teams may find this methodology the most productive since it requires self-organization and self-management.

Extreme Programming

Another Agile framework, Extreme Programming (or XP), uses best practices in software development to produce higher-quality software. XP allows frequent releases in short development sprints, which encourages change as necessary.

Lean

Bringing together principles and practices from manufacturing and extending them to various industries, including software development, Lean is both a workflow methodology and a mindset. Agile is an excellent method for applying development best practices to the real world. Nevertheless, it does not explain how to scale these practices across the organization or adapt them to other types of work.