Software companies use different processes forcreating new software and modifying existing ones. They can either use a simple approach to structure the problem or can use a formal approach which is well structured with all details. There are many top notch providers of software development like Iflexon, Indianic, Cyber infrastructure, Intellectsoft, Sunflower Lab, DockYard Inc. Etc. These companies have got top talent from all around the world. They provide their clients with quality solutions and helps in turning their idea into reality. Their offering include (but not limited to) Web development, Mobile app development, Enterprise solutions, E commerce platforms etc as per the client requirement.

There are pros and cons which are associated with every software development methodology. These models are classified into following categories –

1. Flow based model (Eg. Waterfall Model, Iterative Waterfall Model)

2. Structured based model

3. Iteration based model

4. Object oriented model

1. Waterfall Model: - It is most commonly used model also known as life cycle model. This is a sequential model where one can move to next phase of process only after completing previous phase.

Pros – It is simple to understand especially for a beginner or a new developer because every phase has defined deliverables and due to presence of individual review process. It also saves a lot of time as testing is relatively easier due to defined specifications and requirements.

Cons – It doesn’t work in testing stage. It is not suitable for long projects as there is no scope for predicting ends result. Not suitable for maintenance type projects and projects which have scope for modification.

2. Prototype Methodology: - Here developers create only a prototype without building complete software. It can solves issue better than waterfall model.

Pros – Client gets clear understating of software and its functionalities. Also it helps in identifying potential risks in early stage.

Cons – Generally a standard prototype is made with minimum client involvement and modification as cost of prototyping is borne by developer and not by client.

3. Spiral Model: This model identifies risks in the existing model and helps in reducing them. It starts with small level iterations and later big iterations can be made as per requirement.

Pros – High Risk involve projects can be considered under this model. There is always scope of adding functionalities on later stage.

Cons – Since high cost is involved in this model, which can lead to losses if model fails to analyse accurate risk involved. 

4. Rapid Application development: - It helps in accelerating the whole process of software development as it allows active user participation. 

Pros – There is always scope of improvement due to active customer feedback and client’s quick reviews.

Cons – Not possible for every organisation as it demands high skilled workforce. So it is not cost efficient for small organisations.

5. Agile Software Development Methodology: It is used when there are frequent changes in the project.

Pros – Easy to make iterations in the software as per client requirement as there is constant feedback mechanism from client side.

Cons – Since there is not much documentation about the final product, client may not have clear visibility of the final product.

6. Dynamic Systems Development Model Methodology: It is an incremental approach works on Rapid Application Development methodology. The logic behind this approach is that development is an ever changing process and perfect output cannot be delivered in first time.

Pros – Quick delivery of basic functionality and delivery of updates in frequent intervals within defined budgets. 

Cons – It is a relatively new model and requires in depth training thus not suitable for short term processes and for small organisation. 

7. Extreme Programming Methodology: - This model identifies risks in the existing model and helps in reducing them. It starts with small level iterations and later big iterations can be made as per requirement. 

Pros – High Risk involve projects can be considered under this model. There is always scope of adding functionalities on later stage.

Cons – Since high cost is involved in this model, which can lead to losses if model fails to analyse accurate risk involved. 

8. Feature Driven Development: - This model is based on object oriented technology. Helps those organisations which are moving form phase-based approach to an iterative approach. 

Pros – Work done in lesser time with the easiest manner. This technology considered under best practices.

Cons - Not Good for small projects and individual developers.

9. Lean Development Methodology: - It develops a software in one third time that too in limited time and very less work flow.

Pros –Development team has more decision making power thus they can deliver more work in short time. Early Elimination of unwanted stuff helps in saving time and money.

Cons – Any failure in analysis of documentation can result in loss.

10. Scrum Development Methodology: - This is best suited for speedy development software with high iterations.

Pros –. Updates and progress is tracked through frequent meetings of team thus actual development can be tracked.

Cons – Not suitable for large size projects and can lead to losses if estimations of project are not correct.

Additional Information

Many software development companies in Melbourne Australia. Consider above advantages and disadvantages before outsourcing software development project or work.