{"id":426,"date":"2022-03-23T13:36:43","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T13:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluxtech.me\/blog\/?p=426"},"modified":"2022-04-07T08:26:42","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T08:26:42","slug":"sdlc-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fluxtech.me\/blog\/sdlc-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Software Development Models: Understanding What’s Right for Your Project – Pt. 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever worked with a team of engineers to develop a software product or application, you probably noticed there\u2019s a method to the madness. All software development teams, no matter where they are, operate by a Software Development Life Cycle Model (SDLC). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The point of this kind of structuring and organization is to ensure that tasks are assigned appropriately, communication is expedient, and that results are in line with your business goals. With this article, we\u2019ll take a look at those SDLC models that Flux Technologies<\/a> has the most faith in, as well as give you some practical insight into how we used each model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have a better understanding of each model, you\u2019ll be able to decide which one is right for your next project. But before we jump into all that, here\u2019s a brief overview of what SDLCs are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Models?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As always, we believe in keeping it simple. SDLC models are basically the means by which teams improve the workflow and outcomes of your software project. The main goal of these models is to ensure optimal processes and greater project success rates. In other words, the use of the Software Development Life Cycle Models benefits the client more than anyone else, since they are designed to keep the team working for you on track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many versions of SDLCs models and each team will apply a different one, depending on their experience and the type of project. However, they do share six fundamental phases in common. Each type of SDLC method can generally be broken down into six phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing & integration, and finally maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SDLC<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Waterfall Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Waterfall is one of the most foundational SDLC models. This method is a classic model best for small and medium-sized projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SDLC<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Documentation is one of the main points of focus in the waterfall SDLC. What’s more, there are deliverables at each stage. (A deliverable can be anything from a report, a document, a software product, a server upgrade or any other building block of your project.) Another key factor about the waterfall model is that the team cannot begin working on the next stage of development until the previous one is complete. It\u2019s straightforward – literally a linear process that was established to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, with methods like Agile on the rise, Waterfall will be marked by some as inflexible, but there are still plenty of benefits to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros of Waterfall<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The reality is \u2018waterfalling\u2019 represents a plan. And it\u2019s always easier to stick to a plan that already has a predefined budget or timeline. Therefore, it\u2019s straightforward and simple to manage. Another point to note is that with the use of deliverables, you can easily measure and monitor progress at each stage. Essentially, this method is highly organized and transparent. Through documentation and planning before you begin gives you a lot of clarity and almost negates the chance of miscommunication. Finally, onboarding new team members are also done quickly because the documentation is so thorough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons of Waterfall<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As opposed to Agile, which we talk about below, Waterfall has a very narrow path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the beginning, we noted that Waterfall is best suited for small or medium-sized projects. The reason for that is the bigger the project, the more things you have to foresee right at the offset, which you may be unable to do. One final point many developers find contestable with waterfall is that testing and deployment do not happen until the very end. Plainly, speaking the risk that you may run into a problem after you launch your project is therefore higher. Subsequently, these mistakes need to be fixed, which can lead to you overspending both on your budget and timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Use<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

So with that in mind, here are the cases in which we consider using Waterfall SDLC appropriate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n