A Comprehensive Study of Commonly Practiced Heavy and Light Weight Software Methodologies
Software has been playing a key role in the
development of modern society. Software industry
has an option to choose suitable methodology/process
model for its current needs to provide solutions to
give problems. Though some companies have their
own customized methodology for developing their
software but majority agrees that software
methodologies fall under two categories that are
heavyweight and lightweight. Heavyweight
methodologies (Waterfall Model, Spiral Model) are
also known as the traditional methodologies, and
their focuses are detailed documentation, inclusive
planning, and extroverted design. Lightweight
methodologies (XP, SCRUM) are, referred as agile
methodologies. Light weight methodologies focused mainly on short iterative cycles, and rely on the
knowledge within a team.
The aim of this paper is to describe the characteristics
of popular heavyweight and lightweight
methodologies that are widely practiced in software
industries. We have discussed the strengths and
weakness of the selected models. Further we have
discussed the strengths and weakness between the
two opponent methodologies and some criteria is also
illustrated that help project managers for the selection
of suitable model for their projects.
Keywords: Software Process, Software Development Methodology, Software development life cycle, Agile, Heavyweight
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