A Beginner’s Guide to SDLC Methodologies: Understanding Your Options

Thaisa Fernandes
PM101
Published in
4 min readJul 14, 2023

The software development life cycle (SDLC) is a process used in software engineering to create high-quality software products. It is a well-defined process that outlines the steps and stages required to produce a functional software application.

There are various SDLC methodologies used by software development teams to create software products, and each methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the top 7 SDLC methodologies that software development teams use.

Lean methodology

The Lean methodology is focused on reducing waste and streamlining the software development process. It involves making decisions as late as possible, delivering outcomes as quickly as possible, and keeping the focus on the big picture. This methodology is best suited for projects where time is a critical factor, and there is a need to reduce unnecessary steps and processes.

Agile methodology

The Agile methodology is based on iterative development. It involves creating small iterations of the software product and testing them regularly. Requirements and solutions evolve through the collaborative effort of self-organizing and cross-functional teams. This methodology is best suited for projects with changing requirements and where the end goal is not entirely clear.

Waterfall methodology

The Waterfall methodology is a sequential approach to software development. It involves a series of phases, each of which must be completed before the next phase can begin. This methodology is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and a clear end goal.

DevOps

DevOps is not a traditional SDLC methodology but rather a culture and set of practices that emphasize collaboration and communication between development and operations teams. This methodology is best suited to speed up the software delivery process and reduce the time it takes to go from development to production.

Spiral methodology

The Spiral methodology is a risk-driven approach to software development. It involves iterating through multiple cycles of development, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the project. This methodology is best suited for projects with high risks, where it’s important to address these risks early on in the development process.

Iterative methodology

The Iterative methodology is based on the principle of continual improvement. It involves multiple iterations of development, each of which builds upon the previous iteration. This methodology is best suited for projects with changing requirements, where it’s important to be able to adapt to changes quickly.

V-model methodology

The V-model methodology is a sequential approach to software development that emphasizes testing at each stage of the development process. It involves a series of phases, each of which must be completed before the next phase can begin. This methodology is best suited for projects with strict quality requirements, where it’s important to ensure that the software meets these requirements before it’s released to production.

In summary

Choosing the right SDLC methodology for your project is critical to its success. The methodology you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the project, the timeline, and the level of risk involved.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology will help you choose the right one for your project. Each methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your project.

Keep in mind that the methodology you choose can have a significant impact on the project’s success, so take the time to carefully evaluate each option before making a decision.

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Thaisa Fernandes
PM101
Editor for

Program Management & Product Management | Podcast Host | Co-Author | PSPO, PMP, PSM Certified 🌈🌱