Development methodologiesIterative methodologies

The waterfall method, rapid application, and more recently agile methods are all popular methodologies in software development. This guide explores their structures, advantages and limitations.

Part ofComputing ScienceSoftware design and development

Iterative methodologies

Traditional iterative methodologies follow a set of steps in a specific order but also allow for .

The most common iterative methodology is known as the ‘waterfall model’:

The traditional waterfall method of analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, evaluation and maintenance

Iteration

If a development team choose to make use of an iterative methodology, they will repeat stages like design, implementation and testing regularly.

Design to Implementation to Testing flowchart. Testing loops back to Design.

Iteration can take place:

  • between stages
  • within stages