Selecting the right Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology depends on the project size, scope flexibility, timeline, and client involvement.
- Waterfall – Sequential and best for fixed-scope projects
- Agile – Iterative and collaborative; great for dynamic scope and faster delivery
- Scrum – A form of Agile with time-boxed sprints and daily standups
- DevOps – Focuses on continuous integration, delivery, and deployment
- Lean, Spiral, V-Model – Other hybrid approaches
Waterfall Methodologies in few points
- Type: Sequential
- Best For: Fixed-scope, well-documented projects
- Use Case: Government or legacy system projects where requirements are frozen
- Pros: Clear structure, easy to manage
- Cons: Not flexible for changes once development starts
Agile Methodologies in few points
- Type: Iterative & Incremental
- Best For: Dynamic, evolving scope; early and continuous delivery
- Use Case: E-Commerce, SaaS platforms, modern web/mobile apps
- Pros: Flexible, promotes client collaboration, faster value delivery
- Cons: Requires continuous client engagement and skilled teams
Scrum (Agile Framework ) in few points
- Type: Agile Framework with time-boxed sprints
- Best For: Projects needing frequent releases and fast feedback
- Use Case: Feature-rich product builds, MVPs, iterative deployments
- Pros: Sprint planning, daily standups, velocity tracking, transparency
- Cons: Needs experienced scrum roles (Scrum Master, PO)
Devops in few points
- Type: Culture/Practice around CI/CD & Automation
- Best For: Large-scale systems requiring fast deployment and reliability
- Use Case: Cloud-based platforms, SaaS with frequent releases
- Pros: Continuous delivery, automation, stability in operations
- Cons: Needs automation tools, strong infra support, cultural shift
Other Hybrid Models in few points
- Lean: Minimizes waste and maximizes value delivery
- Spiral: Combines iterative nature of Agile with risk analysis
- V-Model: Extension of Waterfall with emphasis on testing at each stage
- Choosing the Right SDLC Methodology
| Criteria | Recommended Model |
| Fixed scope & budget | Waterfall |
| Changing Requirements | Agile / Scrum |
| Continuous delivery | DevOps |
| Risk-driven projects | Spiral |
| Minimal waste | Lean |
- Best Practices to Follow in SDLC
| Practice | Description |
| Documentation | Keep detailed records at every phase (requirements, designs, test plans, etc.) |
| Stakeholder Communication | Involve clients regularly for reviews and feedback |
| Risk Management | Identify and mitigate risks early |
| Quality Assurance | Integrate QA throughout the cycle, not just at the end |
| Automation | Automate builds, testing, and deployment (CI/CD) |