What are the different methods for developing high-performance computer software?

Software plays an important role in the economic development of companies. When creating software, the question arises of which method to choose. The idea is to reduce risks and costs as much as possible. There are several ways to create high-performance computer software, methods which differ from one another but which keep the common denominator of creating quality tools at an attractive price.

The Agile method

The Agile methodology is one of the options used to create computer software with premaccess. It takes its source from the Agile Manifesto, developed by a team of software developers in 2011. This method places the customer at the center of the project, with the determination of short-term objectives. Different fragments are then worked on and adjusted by the team as they go, in order to best meet the client’s needs. The agile method is soft and flexible.

The DevOps method

Here is another methodology for developing web applications and software. Word DevOps originates from the two words developer and operational. In this case, developers and operational staff maintain close communication and collaboration throughout the process of creating computer software. The DevOps method saves considerable time in solving problems, makes it possible to automate processes and reduce risks, but also to implement new functionalities and increase customer satisfaction.

The iterative method

Another very specific computer development method. The iterative method is quite close to the Agile method since it is based on a step-by-step model for developing web applications and software. However, unlike Agile, it also focuses on the two essential aspects of determining costs and meeting delivery deadlines. It is used by developers who prefer a rather traditional method in terms of organization, and who must respect specifications defined upstream and which leaves little room for flexibility.

The Cascade method

With this method, the development of computer software is divided into 6 distinct stages. It’s about :

• setting the various project requirements;
• the implementation of an integral analysis;
• the creation of the application or software development project;
• the launch of the commissioning of the project;
• validation of the application or software by the team of developers;
• the actual implementation of the project.

This method has the advantage of moving quickly from one stage to another and of ensuring compliance with the delivery deadline. On the other hand, there is a drawback: once a step has been taken, there is no going back, which offers less flexibility in comparison with the other methods mentioned in the article.

The Lean method

This method used in computer development is based on an ethical design. By this we mean adhering to the seven foundations of enhancing learning, eliminating waste, delivering quickly, deferring decision-making, integrating process, and empowering developers. With the Lean methodology, IT professionals focus on a specific task at the moment T, with the objectives of achieving the best possible performance in terms of product quality, while meeting delivery deadlines and offering the possibility for the company to improve its productivity and reduce its costs.