SDLC Methodologies

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

  1. Type: Sequential
  2. Best For: Fixed-scope, well-documented projects
  3. Use Case: Government or legacy system projects where requirements are frozen
  4. Pros: Clear structure, easy to manage
  5. Cons: Not flexible for changes once development starts

    Agile Methodologies in few points

    1. Type: Iterative & Incremental
    2. Best For: Dynamic, evolving scope; early and continuous delivery
    3. Use Case: E-Commerce, SaaS platforms, modern web/mobile apps
    4. Pros: Flexible, promotes client collaboration, faster value delivery
    5. Cons: Requires continuous client engagement and skilled teams

    Scrum (Agile Framework ) in few points

    1. Type: Agile Framework with time-boxed sprints
    2. Best For: Projects needing frequent releases and fast feedback
    3. Use Case: Feature-rich product builds, MVPs, iterative deployments
    4. Pros: Sprint planning, daily standups, velocity tracking, transparency
    5. Cons: Needs experienced scrum roles (Scrum Master, PO)

    Devops in few points

    1. Type: Culture/Practice around CI/CD & Automation
    2. Best For: Large-scale systems requiring fast deployment and reliability
    3. Use Case: Cloud-based platforms, SaaS with frequent releases
    4. Pros: Continuous delivery, automation, stability in operations
    5. Cons: Needs automation tools, strong infra support, cultural shift

    Other Hybrid Models in few points

    1. Lean: Minimizes waste and maximizes value delivery
    2. Spiral: Combines iterative nature of Agile with risk analysis
    3. V-Model: Extension of Waterfall with emphasis on testing at each stage
    • Choosing the Right SDLC Methodology
    CriteriaRecommended Model
    Fixed scope & budgetWaterfall
    Changing RequirementsAgile / Scrum
    Continuous deliveryDevOps
    Risk-driven projectsSpiral
    Minimal wasteLean
    • Best Practices to Follow in SDLC
    PracticeDescription
    DocumentationKeep detailed records at every phase (requirements, designs, test plans, etc.)
    Stakeholder CommunicationInvolve clients regularly for reviews and feedback
    Risk ManagementIdentify and mitigate risks early
    Quality AssuranceIntegrate QA throughout the cycle, not just at the end
    AutomationAutomate builds, testing, and deployment (CI/CD)