Developers should be on their feet dancing due to the opportunities that lie ahead due to the predicted future of software development methodologies. Part of the digital transformation that occurred in 2018 was driven by artificial intelligence technologies and algorithms. This artificial intelligence has heavily contributed to software development in 2018 and will continue to grow.

The following software development methodologies have shaped software development in 2018 and have been predicted to be the best software development methodologies in 2019.

1. Agile Digital Transformation

Businesses are undergoing digital transformation ever since data has become valuable in gaining insights. The latest addition to this trend is the adoption of agile methodology to undergo a digital transformation. Agile software development is a conceptual framework for undertaking software engineering projects. It is a methodology that helps to align digital transformation initiatives with business needs. As digital transformation is an ongoing process, agile helps to deliver valuable outcomes frequently for the business rather than waiting for a long time.

2. Extreme Programming

Extreme Programming approach (XP) refers to an agile software engineering methodology. It was created to avoid the development of functions that are not currently needed. It aimed at the creation of a top-notch final product with no regard for frequent changes in requirements. Another aim of this method is reducing the costs of software essentials. To achieve that, continuous testing and planning are applied.

In comparison with the other approaches, XP takes more time and human resources. As far as XP is chiefly used for crafting software within a very unbalanced atmosphere and enables greater tractability within the modeling procedure, it is perfect for complicated projects.

3. Rapid Application Development Methodology

Rapid Application Development (RAD) Methodology is created to take the maximum advantage of software development. It is aimed at reducing the amount of construction needed to build a product. RAD is a condensed development process that produces a high-quality system with low investment costs. It’s possible due to the ability to quickly adjust needed things. The essence of it is to produce quick results.

4. Spiral Methodology

The Spiral methodology extends the traditional Waterfall model by adding rapid prototyping in an effort to combine advantages of top-down and bottom-up concepts. It provided emphasis in a key area with deliberating iterative risk analysis. It suits large-scale complex systems. Spiral is generally chosen over the waterfall approach for large, expensive, and complicated projects.

The Spiral Lifecycle Model is a sophisticated lifecycle model that focuses on early identification and reduction of project risks. A spiral project starts on a small scale, explores risks, makes a plan to handle the risks, and then decides whether to take the next step of the project (to do the next iteration of the spiral). It derives its rapid development benefit from continuously reducing the projects risk level. Success at using the Spiral Lifecycle Model depends on conscientious, attentive, and knowledgeable management.

The following software development methodologies have made their mark in 2018 and will continue to broaden the horizons for software developers in 2019.