There are different verb approaches used in software development. Each software design framework acts as a basis in applying the specific approaches created to help develop and maintain the desired software program. Since the birth of information technology, there are has been several development approaches used, which include the following:
Waterfall Development
This is a type of sequential development approach, in which the process of developing software is seen as steadily flowing downwards, just like a waterfall. The basic principle of the waterfall development approach is that the project is divided in sequential phases. It also gives emphasis to planning, budget, schedules, target dates and the implementation of the entire software system. Over the life of the project, tight control is implemented, which is done through extensive documentation and formal reviews.
Prototyping
Software prototyping is an iterative framework which encompasses the creation of the prototypes, as the name suggests. This is the part wherein incomplete version of the software program is being developed. This is not a standalone or complete development methodology but instead it is an approach used to handle selected parts of a larger and more traditional development methodology. Prototyping attempts to minimize the inherent risks in a project by breaking it into smaller segments, allowing for easy modifications during the development process.
Incremental Development
In this type of development approach, a series of mini waterfalls are performed wherein all the phases of the waterfall are completed (for the small part of the software system) before proceeding to the next increment. To put it simply, the overall requirements of the project are defined in increments before it proceeds to the evolutionary phase.
Aside from the ones mentioned above, there are several other types of development approaches used in developing software applications. Just like with database design, creating the software involves many processes and approaches to ensure that the developers will be able to come up with a working and fully functioning software product.