Software Development Concepts
Systems Development Models
Agile
Agile, at its heart, champions customer-centricity and rapid, iterative development. Instead of a fixed blueprint, Agile
- thrives
Emphasizeson adaptation, evolving with thecustomer'client's insights and the project's needs.Quick development of functionality in an iterative manner.Four Core Principles:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
- Working software over comprehensive documentation.
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
- For example, a customer might start to use the software and learn what they really need verses what they thought they needed.
- Responding to change over following a plan.
-
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) can provide guidance on adapting and pivoting direction.
Remember the four core principles of Agile for the exam.
Waterfall
Sequential development leadingContrary to
aAgile,completetheproduct.Waterfall Allowsmodelreturnis characterized by its linear, step-by-step approach towards product development. It meticulously follows each phase, permitting revisions only to thepreviousimmediatephasepreceding step. While it shares semblance with the software development lifecycle, Waterfall's structure demands comprehensive analysis and design forcorrectionsthe entire project from the outset. One of its main limitations is the absence of consistent feedback loops, making alterations both challenging and expensive.only.- Seven stages:
- ⬇️ System Requirements
- ↕️ Software Requirements
- ↕️ Preliminary design
- ↕️ Detailed Design
- ↕️ Code and Debug
- ↕️ Testing
- ✅ Operations & Maintenance
Reminiscent
earlier manufacturing processes where tasks were done in a sequential manner, one after the other.
Spiral
Metamodelreferred to as the "metamodel" or a "model ofmodels".models," Severalthe Spiral model can be visualized as an enhancement of the Waterfall model, integrating multiple iterations oftheit.waterfall model.- Each spiral
loopinresultsthe model represents a developmental phase, culminating in a newprototype/iteration.prototype or iteration of the software.Here's what distinguishes the Spiral model:
-
Iterative Nature: Unlike the strict linear progression of Waterfall, the Spiral model allows for iterative development. This aspect addresses one of the primary criticisms of the Waterfall model, where changes post-phase completion were cumbersome and expensive.
Iterative in nature.
-
Often
ThinkCustomer Feedback and Realization: Should a customer have an epiphany or change of requirements mid-way through the development process, the Spiral asmodel offers the flexibility to circle back, adjust, and refine. This iterative feedback loop ensures the end product is closely aligned with customer expectations and needs.
Unlike the Waterfall model, you don't revert to the previous stage; instead, you iterate to the next spiral if a "repeatingrequirement Waterfall".changes.
Software Development Maturity Models
Helpsmodelsinserveimprovingas thequalityguidingandlight,maturitysteeringofthesoftwareprocessprocesses.from Followsinitial chaos to disciplined, optimized operations. They offer an evolutionarypathtrajectory, marking the journey fromchaoticlow todisciplinedhighprocesses.maturity
Maturity
Capability Maturity Model (SW-CMM)
- Level 1: Initial - No consistent processes. (low maturity)
- Level 2: Repeatable - Basic lifecycle management.
- Level 3: Defined - Documented and standardized process.
- Level 4: Managed - Quantitative measures for understanding.
- Level 5: Optimized - Continuous development with feedback
loops.loops (high maturity)
SW-CMM (Software Capability Maturity Model) primarily concentrates on improving software development processes, offering organizations a roadmap to mature their software practices.
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
LevelCMMI 5(Capability indicatesMaturity Model Integration), integrates multiple maturity models, making it applicable not only to software engineering but also to product development and service provision. It differs from SW-CMM by providing a highbroader framework, capturing an array of disciplines beyond just software, and emphasizing integrated product and process development. CMMI gives an insight into our current maturity inlevel developmentand processes.helps us plan where we need to head.
- Level 1: Initial
REACTIVE.: Unpredictable and poorly controlled. - Level 2: Repeatable
MANAGED. Projects are characterized.
Peer review is required from level 3 onwards.
- Level 3: Defined
PROACTIVE Processes characterized. - Level 4: Quantitatively Managed
QUANTITAVLEY measured processes provide insights into performance. - Level 5: Optimizing
CONTINUOUS process improvement.
IdealIDEAL Model
A software development model that incorporates attributes of SW-CMM.
Stages:- Initiating - Business reasons established, infrastructure put in place.
- Diagnosing - Current state analysis and change recommendations.
- Establishing - Development of change plans.
- Acting - Implementation of the plan and solutions.
- Learning - Continuous analysis for improvement.
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Phase Name | Description | Mnemonic |
⬇️ Requirements and Analysis |
In this phase, the needs of potential users are understood and analyzed to produce a requirements specification. |
R |
⬇️ Design | This phase involves creating a detailed design of the software system, specifying architecture, components, interfaces, and other characteristics. |
D |
⬇️ Implementation (or coding) | The actual code is written in this phase, transforming design documentation into functional software. |
I |
⬇️ Testing | The software is tested to ensure it meets the specifications and is free of defects. |
T |
🔁 Evolution (or Maintenance) |
As software gets used, it will evolve to meet new user requirements, address discovered bugs, and incorporate other changes. |
E |