3. Software Development Approaches

Question 1

What are the different approaches to software development?

Answer 1

Agile
End-user
Prototype
Rapid Application Development
Structured/Waterfall

Question 2

What are the processes invoked in a structured approach?

Answer 2

• Defining and understanding the problem
• Planning and designing
• Implementing
• Testing and Evaluating
• Maintaining

Question 3

Types of prototyping

Answer 3

Concept
Evolutionary

Question 4

Characteristics of Rapid Application Development

Answer 4

• Create software in less time for less money
• Modules/code from other sources is reused or modified
• Used in small scale projects
• Less optimised
• Larger in size

Question 5

Benefits of an Agile approach

Answer 5

• Quick, constant updates
• Faster to develop
• High feedback between developers and users

Question 6

What are the differences between the two prototyping approaches?

Answer 6

Concept: the prototype is created for show and demonstration, but is no longer used after.

Evolutionary: multiple iterations of the prototype will be made until a suitable solution is created. This will then be implemented into the final solution, replacing the existing solution.

Question 7

How does the End-user approach work?

Answer 7

• Utilises COTS packages (Custom Off the Shelf)
• Less experience is required to operate
• Used for common automation
• Cheaper
• End user develops their own solution
• E.g., Microsoft Power Automate