Software development is important for all industries as we are increasingly dependent on the use of technology in our daily lives, whether it’s for personal use or for business purpose. The history of software development can be traced back to the ’50s. But, many terms that are currently used in the software development field didn’t simply exist back then. During those days, software methodologies were only considered as formalized methodology framework. Let’s take a look at the quick history of software development methodologies.
A look at the history of software methodology:
- Software development methodologies ensure that the software is being developed in a proper manner by a freelance web designer Singapore and that it could be used by consumers without much hassle. There are various steps in software methodologies.
- Structured programming helped to improve the development time for the software, ensuring both quality and clarity of the software. This was done with the extensive use of subroutine, block structures, FOR and WHILE loops during the ’50s.
- The 1960s saw the introduction and the use of Waterfall methodology. This is a sequential process that flows downwards in a steady manner through the stages.
- The 1970s saw the introduction of iterative and incremental methodologies, both offering their advantages and disadvantages. The iterative methodology was developed to help to develop a system by using the method of repetition, in many cycles. On the other hand, incremental methodology opted for development of the idea in small portions.
- The early ’80s saw the introduction of the prototype in software development. Prototypes of the software are created, which aren’t the complete version of the actual software and this allows the software development companies to carry out design evaluation. For example, the prototype of the software is created and then this prototype is reviewed and tested to see if it carries any lacking or fault. If it does, then the mistakes are altered and the prototype is further enhanced so that it functions better.
- The late ’80s saw the introduction of the Spiral method. This methodology is a risk-driven process model generator for the software.
- The late ’80s also saw the introduction of V-model methodology and this can be better described as the waterfall model’s extension. This methodology has got its advantages and disadvantages.
- The beginning of the ’90s saw the end of the waterfall methodology era and the beginning of the era of the agile methodology. The Rapid action development emphasised less on the planning stage of the software and more on the process, adjustment of the requirements and the adaptability of the software. The agile methodology implements various stages of development of the software such as adaptive planning, early delivery, evolutionary development, and continuous improvement. It also allows flexible and rapid change if any change is required for the software.
- Dynamic systems development method was created in the early ’90s and its core techniques were time boxing, MosCow, Prototyping, configuration management and workshop etc. On the other hand, the Unified process came with the characteristics of both iterative and the incremental methods, it is risk-focused and architecture centric. Scrum allowed face to face communication on a daily basis and collaboration of teams to allow self-organization. Other methodologies that were introduced subsequently are, Crystal, extreme programming, feature-driven development, and manifesto, etc.