Modern software development methodologies

Key Points

• What are Software Development Methodologies? These are frameworks that guide the planning, design, programming, testing, and implementation of IT systems, ensuring efficient collaboration within development teams and helping meet project goals within deadlines.
• Key Differentiators of Methodologies. Different methodologies vary in formalization, planning approach, and management of changes. Traditional methods like Waterfall focus on detailed upfront planning, while modern methodologies like Scrum and Kanban prioritize flexibility, iteration, and continuous collaboration with clients.
• Limitations of Traditional Approaches (e.g., Waterfall). Waterfall assumes everything is known in advance, which is unrealistic in today’s fast-changing environment. New needs, regulations, or customer requests often emerge, requiring more adaptive approaches like Agile to accommodate change efficiently.
• Modern Methodologies: Scrum and Kanban
  • Scrum: Focuses on iterative work in sprints, delivering functional pieces of the system regularly, offering faster results and better control over budget and scope.
  • Kanban: Uses a visual workflow board for task management, ideal for projects with fluctuating priorities or variable task volumes.
• Benefits of Modern Methodologies
  • Faster time-to-market: Deliver new products and features quicker.
  • Better budget control: Adapt to changes and prioritize essential tasks.
  • Real business value: Develop products based on continuous user feedback.

Software development methodologies define how to plan, design, program, test, and implement IT systems. They are simply specific frameworks that organize the work of IT teams to help them work efficiently and achieve their goals, such as creating a particular application or program within a set timeframe.

Software development methodologies – what are the key differentiators?

To begin with, it’s worth noting that different methodologies differ in their degree of formalization, approach to planning, and how they manage changes, for example. Traditional cascading models (e.g., Waterfall) will work differently, while modern software development methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), which focus on iteration, flexibility, and continuous collaboration with the client, will work differently. Why is flexibility more important today than a perfect plan? Which model should be chosen to make the project work best?

Let’s say a few words about why classic approaches fail

In traditional models like Waterfall, the entire software development cycle is laid out from A to Z even before anyone writes the first line of code. And, of course, this is safe to some extent, but it has one fundamental flaw: it assumes that everything is known in advance. Meanwhile, reality and, with it, businesses change dynamically. MVPs show new needs, new regulations come into force, or a customer asks to change certain functionalities – all this is the norm nowadays. At j‑labs, for example, we believe that the basis of any collaboration should be the Agile Delivery Framework – you can read more about this in our blog post: How Agile helps: A Case Study on stand-ups.

 A diagram of software development in the Waterfall methodology,
source: https://codegym.cc/pl/groups/posts/pl.185.metodyki-tworzenia-oprogramowania

Under the conditions mentioned above, an iterative and adaptive approach becomes necessary, which is what modern software development methodologies are based on.

Modern software development methodologies: Scrum, Kanban, and… Agile?

The first thing that comes to your mind is Agile; however, in our opinion (and in the opinion of many specialists), Agile is more of a philosophy and a specific set of principles, not an entire methodology, like DevOps. On the other hand, its foundations can be found in modern software development methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban.

Therefore, if you are interested in Agile, we cover more about it in our articles:

• Agile – What Kind of Approach Is It & How to Use It in Client Collaboration?
• What Is Agile Software Development?
• 10 steps to agile project planning
• How Agile helps: A case study on stand-ups.
• Agile or Scrum? How to manage projects

Scrum

Scrum is based on working in iterations (called sprints). Within them, the team regularly delivers working, tested bits of the system to the project manager. The advantages of Scrum include faster results and greater control over the budget and scope of work. The client regularly sees new results and can make adjustments as needed.

Kanban

Are you a visual thinker? Kanban may appeal to you.  It focuses on a continuous workflow, and instead of sprints, it introduces a board (physical or digital – any) that visualizes the flow of tasks. It’s an excellent approach for non-standard projects – for example, those with variable priorities and anywhere there’s a lot of variability in the number/volume of tasks.

Tip: In practice, it is increasingly common to combine different elements of both approaches, creating hybrid workflows – always with an emphasis on flexibility, transparency, and quick responses.

When is it worth relying on a modern approach?

Is it time to switch from Waterfall to new methodologies of software development? The shortest answer we can give you is simply yes, but we especially strongly recommend it if:

• The project is complex and requires an iterative approach,
• You don’t know all the requirements precisely at the start,
• You care about getting an MVP fast and developing the product based on feedback, not rigid assumptions.
• You lead a team that can handle agile structures – or you want to augment it with such people, e.g., IT Staff Augmentation.

Let’s also add that the aforementioned modern software development methodologies are beneficial in projects for the financial sector, e-commerce, healthtech, and anywhere where adaptation to changing realities is crucial.

What do you gain by working in a modern model?

Key advantages include:

• Shorter time-to-market – you implement new products and features faster.
• Greater control over your budget – you can respond to changes and prioritize what really matters at any given time.
• Real business value – because the product evolves under user needs, and an experienced team implements and refines it.

A flexible partner is of tremendous value in any IT project. Experienced j‑labs specialists will fit in effortlessly, whatever you decide for your team. IT Specialist outsourcing will help you achieve your business goals. 

FAQ

What are software development methodologies, and why are they important?

Software development methodologies are structured approaches to planning, designing, programming, testing, and implementing IT systems. They help organize work, ensure efficiency, and deliver results within set timeframes. These methodologies are crucial for ensuring consistent quality, controlling risks, and enabling effective team collaboration.

What is the difference between Waterfall and modern software development methodologies?

Waterfall follows a linear, sequential process, which can be limiting due to its rigid planning. Modern methodologies like Scrum and Kanban emphasize flexibility, iteration, and continuous client feedback, making them more adaptable to changing requirements and faster to implement.

When should I switch from Waterfall to modern software development methodologies?

Switching is highly recommended when:

• The project is complex and requires iterative development.
• All requirements are not clear at the start.
• You need to quickly build an MVP and develop the product based on real-time feedback.

What are the advantages of using modern methodologies like Scrum or Kanban?

Modern methodologies offer several advantages:

• Faster delivery: Iterative processes allow for quicker releases.
• Better budget control: Adapt and prioritize tasks based on current needs.
• Real business value: Develop features based on user feedback and evolving needs.

How do modern methodologies fit with IT teams and industries?

Modern methodologies are ideal for dynamic industries like financial services, e-commerce, and healthtech, where rapid adaptation is essential. These methodologies also support teams that can operate in flexible structures, such as those using IT staff augmentation to meet project demands.