12 Software Development Methods to Choose from in 2025

Summary

Explore the top software development methodologies that are shaping modern tech projects in 2025. This detailed guide explains 12 powerful approaches including Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Waterfall, and Rapid Application Development. Each methodology is broken down with its core principles, stages, benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases.

Whether you are building a startup MVP or managing enterprise software, this article helps you align your project needs with the most suitable development method. It includes a comparison table, practical decision-making steps, and expert insights to help you choose with confidence.

Introduction

It should come as no surprise that selecting a software development methodology has gained popularity over time, since even modest projects would falter without the proper strategy. It is a formalized method of communication that explains the "how" of the software life cycle. However, it can occasionally be difficult to select the best approach for managing a project because not every methodology works well with every type of business, especially in today’s fast-paced environments where IT staff augmentation and the need to hire remote developers have become key to scaling efficiently.

For instance, Cisco initially used the waterfall model to build its Subscription Billing Platform. This platform encountered several challenges including slower development speed, increased overtime, missed delivery timelines, and quality issues. These setbacks led the company to adopt the scaled agile framework, enabling collaborative development and testing of smaller features within a unified SaaS component.

Consequently, the system integration and testing teams were able to avoid additional overtime by delivering the latest version of SBP more efficiently. Together, they reduced Cisco’s defect count by 40% and improved defect removal efficiency by 14%.

Let us assist you in selecting the most effective software development approach by outlining its benefits, drawbacks, and stages in this post.

Let’s begin the discussion by understanding what software development methodologies are.

What are Software development methodologies?

The mix of organized procedures to be used when working on a development project is known as software development techniques. You could also refer to it as a defined method or a methodical approach to explaining the life cycle of each software component.

Apart from that, software development techniques define standards that define how developers or development teams will collaborate and exchange information, including written discussions, documentation, and even sketches.

Let’s learn all the software development methodologies.

Top 12 Software Development Methodologies

Custom software development companies are using various development methods like Agile, Spiral, Scrum,Extreme programming, rational unified process, Big bang to deliver a premium product to its clients. Therefore, it becomes natural for the clients to deploy a combination of software development methods per their team’s needs and the expectations of their stakeholders. Therefore, using different software development methodologies becomes highly recommendable.

Here are a few well-liked software development techniques that have been created in the IT world to take advantage of diverse resources:

1. Agile

Agile methodology is an iterative way of transforming a bunch of requirements into software. Constant planning, understanding, communication, development, delivery, and updation are the crucial aspects of the Agile process. In addition, Agile software development methodologies focus on the direct engagement of teams and clients to understand goals better and give timely solutions.

In addition, there are further Agile frameworks, such as Scrum of Scrums (SoS), Large Scale Scrum (LeSS), and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The advantages of Cisco implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) have already been covered.

Phases

1. The first phase is the concept phase, where the product owner will determine the project scope.

2. The second phase is the inception phase where the owner needs to hire remote developers who possess the most efficient skills.

3. The iteration phase follows, during which developers collaborate with UI/UX designers.

4. You should carry out quality assurance testing prior to releasing the finished product.

5. The software creator will continue to work on updates and future versions of the program.

Pros

1. Faster deployment leads to quicker software delivery; teams meet in person to make sure everything proceeds as planned.

2. adheres to the Keep It Simple philosophy to make ongoing process adjustments

3. After delivering each increment, agile teams are able to monitor the velocity of the development process.

4. Enhanced customer happiness, productivity, and company value

Cons

1. Agile method converts extensive data into smaller pieces of user stories thus making it difficult for the developers to grab the exact requirements of the customer.

2. A lack of documented plan would confuse developers when they are moving through various stages of the projects.

3. It can be difficult to maintain consistent cooperation.

When to choose

1. When the features of the product aren’t well defined.

2. When more designers are available for modeling.

3. When the ideas are required to be communicated immediately with the team.

2. Scrum

The Scrum technique is an iterative development process where team members utilize sprints to work on large tasks in smaller steps. This incremental approach encourages quicker development, which benefits intricate projects. In addition, the Scrum framework helps engineers combine flexible Agile approaches with traditional system development methodologies.

Phases

1. Product owners will state the requirements in a document that is known as product backlog.

2. Afterwards, the scrum team builds a sprint backlog and assesses the progress in a daily scrum meeting.

3. ScrumMaster makes sure that everyone on the team is focused on the objective.

4. The sprint is then concluded with a review by the ScrumMaster.

Pros

1. Makes certain that groups function as efficiently as possible

2. Useful in removing unplanned costs and delays in time

3. A well-defined agenda for sprint meetings

4. Allows teams to test the product in advance of release to look for any potential issues.

5. Accepts modifications with ease and incorporates them into the upcoming sprint

Cons

1. There are chances of booming scope creep due to a lack of fixed end-date.

2. There is a major chance that a project might fail if the individuals do not cooperate.

3. Adoption might become challenging but there are chances of a successful attempt if the members are experienced.

4. It needs extensive training and can be challenging to scale.

5. Would require significant transformation within the organization.

When to choose

1. When your team comprises very talented and experienced developers.

2. When your requirements are not entirely clear.

3. useful for modest to medium-sized projects.

3. DevOps

Since the trend gained traction in the IT industry between 2007 and 2008, the term "DevOps" has been widely used. Software development and IT operations are combined with a set of cutting-edge tools, techniques, and process automation concepts called DevOps.

DevOps also offers a platform for rapidly developing, testing, and distributing software. Consequently, it guarantees improved outcomes and permits continuous product delivery.

Phases

1. Ongoing Integration

2. Ongoing Examination

3. Ongoing Improvement

4. Ongoing Implementation

Advantages

1. Automates monotonous work to foster quick creativity

2. Stabilize the workplace and raise the caliber of the output

3. Increased clarity regarding system outputs

4. Possibility of invention

5. Appropriate use of instruments and resources

Cons

1. Its meaning is unclear.

2. High prices and intricacy

3. It's difficult to find a huge pool of DevOps experts.

4. Moving to DevOps is an accomplishment in and of itself. 

When to choose

1. To safeguard your processes during the software development life cycle

2. When speeding up scaling doesn't mean compromising safety

3. When automating company processes is what you want

4. Waterfall

This method was introduced in 1970 by Winston Royce in one of his research papers, this model is a sequential and straightforward approach to focus on the logical progression of the steps in the development processes. When using this method the developer should complete each stage before the next phase begins.

Phases

1. Analyzing requirements

2. Design-Installation

3. Testing units

4. System testing and integration

5. Maintenance and operation phase

Benefits

1. It is well-organized and simple to use.

2. Well-defined objectives and due dates

3. stringent reporting structure that allows the administrator complete control

4. Software release dates can be swiftly ascertained by developers.

5. Modifications and specifications are possible beforehand 

Cons

1. Does not allow for process overlaps

2. Not appropriate for intricate and dangerous projects

3. even if there is only one modification, it disrupts the entire process flow.

4. This methodology does not allow for error correction.

5. Does not accrue risk

When to make a choice

1. The project won't be ongoing for very long.

2. Sufficient lucidity on product definition and technology

3. When resources are freely accessible

4. As soon as your feature set is clear

5. Spiral

This is a risk-driven software development model which combines both an iterative and waterfall models. Each phase in this model initiates with a pre-defined goal and it ends with a client review. In a spiral technology, software engineering team includes a functionality for each requirement in an ever-changing spiral until the application is set to go into the production phase.

Phases

1. Planning,

2. Risk Analysis,

3. Engineering

4. Evaluation

Pros

1. Ideal for important and large-scale projects

2. Additional features can be added as the project develops.

3. Strong approval and control over paperwork

4. provides increased effectiveness for risk analysis

Cons

1. The spiral model costs a lot of money.

2. Requires experience with risk assessment techniques

3. Ineffective for small-scale projects

4. High chance of missed deadlines and excessive expenses

When to choose

1. Focusing on exploration, research, and the new product line

2. Users' understanding of the requirements is unclear

3. When it's necessary to create a prototype

4. When a lot of adjustments are needed

5. The project is enormous in scope.

6. Iterative

Software development teams can incorporate a small set of software requirements using the incremental or iterative development paradigm, which empowers the evolving versions of the system until the full system is ready.

The entire software development process is divided into manageable chunks using this methodology. Using this paradigm in the early stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is an advantage. Because of this, engineers are able to identify any form of defect and implement affordable fixes.

Phases

1. Planning

2. Analyzing

3. Implementing

4. Evaluating 

Pros

1. This model accelerates the software development process.

2. Allows for the addition of additional features.

3. It is possible to develop concurrently.

4. Changes can be implemented gradually.

5. Spending less time on documentation

6. Designing gets quicker

Cons

1. Lack of clarity in requirements can lead to problems with software architecture.

2. In order to lower inherent project risk, highly qualified specialists are needed.

3. a higher likelihood of complicated management

4. The development process's final product is unknown.

When to choose

1. The requirements are precise and well-stated.

2. The application is quite massive.

3. Future development and modifications are required. 

7. V Model

This is one of the popular methodologies for custom software development where developers can add a variety of testing functionalities at every stage of a project that leads to the timely completion of the project. However, moving to the next step before completing the previous one won’t be possible in this type of development method which would prevent you from getting diverted from the project goal.

Phases

1. User Acceptance

2. Integration, System

3. Unit Testing

4. Examining 

Pros

1. Errors can be eliminated in the early phases.

2. Simple and user-friendly approach

3. It's simpler to keep track of project progress.

4. The procedure for validation to guarantee an enterprise-grade product

5. Greater success rate in comparison to the waterfall paradigm 

Drawbacks

1. Extremely dangerous and unclear

2. Uncertainty regarding the project's objective

3. does not allow for phase iteration

4. Unsuitable for intricate projects

5. unable to manage multiple events at once

When to choose

1. The requirements are clear and well-defined.

2. Ideal for small and medium-sized projects

3. When sufficient technical resources and critical technical knowledge is present.

8. Big Bang

It is the most simple and straightforward model in the software development life cycle as it doesn’t require any in-depth planning or complex procedure. Whereas, it combines time, effort and resources to build a product as per the needs of the client.

In this model, each and every module runs differently and the defective ones are removed. Therefore, a big bang model is an ideal choice for any small project where one or two developers are only required.

Pros

1. Straightforward and simple to use

2. Gives developers more flexibility

3. Gives a brief overview of the prototype

4. Enables developers to combine the newest technology and tools

5. The development requires a limited amount of resources.

6. No requirement for supervisory personnel

Cons

1. Extremely unclear and hazardous

2. Not recommended for larger-scale projects

3. If criteria are not specified clearly, it is costly.

4. Not appropriate for ongoing projects

When to choose

1. When there are lax rules for the introduction of new products

2. The needs of the user remain unclear

3. Project needs that are always changing

4. When working on a project that doesn't demand a lot of brainstorming

9. Feature-Driven Development

When working on a development project for a Singapore bank in 1997, Jeff De Luca and Peter Coad used the feature-driven development paradigm for the first time. They collaborated with a group of fifty experts to deliver the product in 15 months.

This five-step development strategy focuses on creating features in brief iterations. The FDD team consists of a project manager, chief programmer, chief architect, development manager, chief programmer, class owner, and domain expert.

Phases

1. Build the entire model.

2. Make a feature list.

3. Organize according to feature

4. Feature-based design

5. Feature-based construction

Pros

1. Provides information on the project's context and scope.

2. Communicates through documents

3. Cut back on the quantity of meetings

4. Performs effectively in lengthy or extensive projects

5. Divides various aspects into more manageable portions

Cons

1. Largely reliant on the lead programmer

2. Doesn't give customers software evidence

3. A stronger emphasis on individual code ownership

4. Incompatible with outdated systems

When to choose

1. Projects that call for constant refinement

2. When enhancing scalability is your goal

3. When end users are clearly understood by you

10. Prototype Methodology

The prototype is known as a crude version of the actual system which possibly has a few limited capabilities, low reliability and an inefficient performance as compared to the actual software. Nonetheless, it is vital as the client often possesses a basic overview of what is expected from the final software.

Phases

1. Gathering and analyzing requirements

2. Quicker design

3. Construct a prototype.

4. first assessment by the user

5. Changing the definition of the prototype

6. Application of the Product

7. Prompt maintenance

Benefits

1. Increased adaptability and mistake detection

2. Locating any missing functionality is simpler.

3. It is simple to adapt to new features.

4. Engage clients directly in the development process.

5. Makes systems easier for clients and developers to comprehend Drawbacks

Cons

1. It requires extensive testing on numerous prototypes, which takes a long period.

2. Having inadequate documentation due to constantly changing customer needs

3. High development and upfront expenses

4. The prototype's quality could be negatively impacted.

When to make a choice

1. When a considerable degree of user engagement is necessary

2. Excellent human-computer interface systems can be designed with a high degree of user engagement in web interfaces.

11. Rapid Application Development

A rapid application development or RAD prioritizes speedier customer feedback and a rapid prototyping over any tedious development and testing cycles. A RAD model enables developers to think of numerous iterations and updates to software quickly without the need to start from scratch. Further, it also ensures that the outcome is quality-driven and aligns with the requirements of end-users.

Phases

1. Planning goals

2. Design of prototypes

3. Quick development

4. Production

Advantages

1. Accelerated development and incorporation of customer comments

2. There are comparatively fewer failures.

3. Rework is drastically decreased.

4. Consistent provision of consumer value

5. Reduced integration problems 

6. Constant feedback and quantifiable

Drawbacks

1. Bigger tasks might not be suitable for RAD.

2. need advanced developing abilities

3. Continuously negative feedback could throw the flow off.

When to choose

1. When a system must be modularized in two to three months

2. When you always require trustworthy criticism of your prototypes

3. If you have a large budget for equipment and development

12. Lean Development

This is the last set of methods in software development which mainly focuses on waste reduction, optimizing the overall efficiency and delivering what is required for the software product development. In lean software development approach, software engineers would release the primary or the initial version of the software.

Principles

1. Waste management

2. constructing high-quality

3. Gaining expertise Postponing commitment

4. Quicker shipping

5. Honor individuals

6. Maximize everything.

Benefits

1. Reduced expenses and lead times

2. Enhanced exposure of the project

3. Increases the overall output of the team.

4. Reduction of resource wastage

5. smooth handling of priorities that change

Cons

1. Absence of a sound plan

2. Not appropriate for a team lacking experience

3. Making decisions becomes challenging and time-consuming.

4. Developers may frequently stray from their initial goals while working with Software Requirements Specification (SRS) documents.

When to make a choice

1. When there is a deadline for your initiatives

2. If the task at hand is extremely complex

3. There is a lack of communication efficiency

4. If the goal of your project is to reduce wasteful spending.

We’ve got a table prepared for you which covers key aspects and key considerations of all the software development methodologies.

Key Aspects and Stages of Popular Software Development Methodologies

Methodology	Key Focus	Stages Involved	Key Considerations for Implementation
Agile	Flexibility and iterative progress	1. Concept phase 2. Inception 3. Iteration 4. Quality Assurance Testing 5. Product Release and Updates	Frequent client collaboration, adaptive planning, ideal for dynamic environments
Scrum	Sprint-based development for faster progress	1. Product Backlog 2. Sprint Backlog 3. Daily Scrum Meetings 4. Sprint Execution 5. Sprint Review and Retrospective	Works well for incremental releases, demands high team collaboration and discipline
DevOps	Continuous integration and delivery	1. Continuous Integration 2. Continuous Testing 3. Continuous Improvement 4. Continuous Deployment	Requires strong collaboration between development and operations teams, fosters automation
Waterfall	Linear phase-based process	1. Requirement Analysis 2. Design 3. Implementation 4. Testing 5. Deployment 6. Maintenance	Best for well-defined projects with fixed timelines, limited flexibility to accommodate changes
Spiral	Risk management and iterative refinement	1. Planning 2. Risk Analysis 3. Engineering 4. Evaluation	Great for complex, risk-sensitive projects with evolving requirements
Iterative	Incremental delivery with evolving product versions	1. Planning 2. Analysis 3. Implementation 4. Evaluation	Emphasizes continuous feedback and improvement, requires strong early-stage planning
V Model	Verification and validation-focused process	1. Requirements 2. System Design 3. Architecture Design 4. Module Design 5. Coding 6. Testing (at multiple levels)	Suitable for projects with stable, clear requirements, early detection of issues through testing at every phase
Big Bang	Flexible approach with minimal planning	1. Resource Allocation 2. Code Implementation 3. Bug Fixing 4. Testing	Best for smaller projects with flexible, undefined requirements, but can be risky for larger-scale efforts
Feature-Driven Development (FDD)	Focus on feature-building iterations	1. Domain Modeling 2. Feature List Creation 3. Plan by Feature 4. Design by Feature 5. Build by Feature	Supports large-scale development by organizing tasks into manageable features
Prototype Methodology	Prototype creation to gather feedback	1. Requirement Gathering 2. Prototype Creation 3. User Evaluation 4. Refinement 5. Final Implementation	Ideal when client requirements are unclear, involves extensive client interaction and feedback
Rapid Application Development (RAD)	Speed and user feedback-driven prototyping	1. Requirements Planning 2. User Design 3. Construction 4. Cutover	Focuses on fast delivery with frequent user feedback, suitable for short development cycles
Lean Development	Waste reduction and efficiency	1. Identify Waste 2. Build Quality In 3. Create Knowledge 4. Defer Commitment 5. Deliver Fast 6. Respect People	Prioritizes value creation and fast delivery, works well in environments focused on minimizing waste

Now, further let us understand the process to choose the right Software development methodology.

Steps to choose the right software development method

The software development space has seen a huge change in the last few decades & businesses must analyze the data before an end product delivery. Technology legends like Microsoft and Google innovated new frameworks to manage the complete process of project lifecycle.

A software development methodology can either make or break the development project as implementing an incorrect methodology can lead to an unsatisfied client, frustrated employee and a delayed project completion. Therefore, you should carefully choose the best for your enterprise.

Below are a few pointers that can help you choose a suitable software development methodology

• Collect all the necessary information about your stakeholders.

• Select the development method which fits your budget.

• Consider the level of flexibility that the chosen method offers.

• Choose the best fit timeframe, i.e. Sprint or Marathon.

• Be aware about your development team size, location and time zone.

Integrating an excellent software development product method can build a consistent structure for any project to allow you to strategize it properly. Moreover, a software development method can standardize your product launch process, thus enabling you to stay ahead of your competitors and inspire your stakeholders’ confidence by working smartly and efficiently.

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Wrapping Up!

Since the early days of programming, developers have continued to use software development approaches. It can help developers create reliable tools and applications with success.

The approaches to software development that are discussed here are widely used. They do, however, call for various degrees of proficiency. You should therefore weigh their advantages and disadvantages. You should also take into account the project's scope, the required software development tools, the development budget, the availability of resources, and the timeline.

Thus, assess the software development approaches discussed here and select the one that will be most effective for your company. If you need help choosing the appropriate software development technique for your upcoming project, don't hesitate to contact our specialists.

What is the most widely used software development methodology today?

The Agile methodology is one of the most widely used and popular software development approaches. Its flexibility, iterative nature, and focus on continuous collaboration between development teams and clients make it highly effective for a wide range of projects. Agile allows teams to adapt to changes quickly and deliver software incrementally, ensuring that the product aligns with user needs throughout the development cycle.

How do I choose the right software development methodology for my project?

Choosing the right methodology depends on several factors, including:

• Project Size and Complexity: Large, complex projects may benefit from methodologies like Spiral or Feature-Driven Development (FDD), while smaller, well-defined projects may work well with Waterfall.

• Flexibility Requirements: If the project scope is likely to change, an iterative and flexible methodology like Agile or Scrum is a better choice.

• Risk Levels: If risk management is a primary concern, Spiral is ideal due to its focus on identifying and addressing risks throughout the process.

• Project Timeline: Rapid Application Development (RAD) and Lean are perfect for shorter timelines with quick delivery cycles.

When should I use the Waterfall methodology?

The Waterfall methodology is best used when the project has clearly defined, stable requirements and no anticipated changes. It works well for short-term projects where the end product is well understood from the start, and the development process can be planned out in linear, sequential steps. However, it’s less suitable for projects requiring flexibility or ongoing updates.

What is the difference between Scrum and Agile?

Agile is an overarching philosophy and set of principles for iterative software development, while Scrum is a specific framework within Agile. Scrum organizes work into fixed-length iterations called sprints, usually 2-4 weeks, where a cross-functional team works on defined tasks. Scrum is a more structured, detailed application of Agile principles, making it highly effective for managing team workloads and delivering product increments regularly.

What are the advantages of using the DevOps methodology in software development?

DevOps combines software development and IT operations, aiming to shorten the development lifecycle and deliver software updates continuously. The key advantages include

• Automation of repetitive tasks, which speeds up the development process.

• Improved collaboration between development and operations teams, reducing silos and enhancing communication.

• Continuous delivery of updates and new features.

• Faster feedback loops from end users, leading to quicker adjustments and higher-quality releases.

DevOps is particularly valuable for projects requiring frequent updates and rapid scalability without compromising security.