Which is best approach to software development: Agile or Waterfall

Which is best approach to software development: Agile or Waterfall

Coding happens to be the first thing that occupies our mind when it comes to software development. Software development is a long drawn out process as it entails in depth analysis, viability assessments and planning, prior to kicking off coding. After all, there is no point in spending time and effort on an idea that is wasteful. For instance, you are holding an event and have solicited the presence of a few but if you have not planned the event well, everything will fall apart. The same holds true for software development. In this write up, we will be touching upon two of the most regularly used approaches to software development—Agile and Waterfall.These two approaches are utilized for any management project, they are commonly utilized for software development. Agile and Waterfall methods happen to be two types of Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC) that assist you in setting up the method of a new project for design, development, and testing of the software. The approach you select initially defines the sequences of these stages. What sets apart Agile and Waterfall methodologies is that the former permits an iterative development and the latter adheres to strict sequence. Now let us understand these a bit better.

Also Read : The Agile Way Of Testing Software ?

What do you mean by Software Development Life Cycle?

Software development has several stages. These stages happen to be Need Evaluation, Planning, Software Designing, Software Development, Software Testing and Software Deployment which together is called SDLC . Based on the project and preferred outcomes, we have various methodologies to this lifecycle. While Waterfall and Agile happen to be usual approaches, there are others as well including V and V model, Spiral model and Prototype model. Based on the needs and other specifications (like industry, type of software, the technology used), we arrive at the approach to utilize.

Waterfall Method

Also called Linear Sequential Life Cycle Model, Waterfall is an extremely sequential approach. As it is obvious by now that the method adheres to a strict pattern, implying that the software development process proceeds merely to the next stage when the first one finishes properly. It’s meant for simple projects having no future development. The Waterfall method comprises seven phases

– Start: The beginning where you conceive the design.

-Origin & Assessment: Collect and save the things needed for your software development project such as system, software requirements, etc.

– Devise: At this stage, you will ascertain how your software will work and the elements essential for coding.

– Build: It is the implementation time when you code all components of your software & test it alongside; you also merge every element with other units to enliven the software architecture in the design phase.

– Examining: This phase warrants excessive testing for users, finding bugs, etc. You must go forward and backward in this stage to tackle the problem that you find in the tests.

– Execution: This is the final stage where the software goes live to be utilized by the clients.

Advantages

As clear as daylight: The timelines and deliverables regarding the project are arrived at beforehand. This establishes a lot of clarity and collaboration between the development team and clients.

Excessive Documentation: This approach needs excessive documentation of every phase cutting out the prospects of mistakes or misunderstandings.

Effective Work: You do not require to have the full development team for a sole task. This method gives a clear view of tasks to carry out permitting each individual to concentrate on their activities while others involve themselves in other facets of work.

Build: This is the implementation time when you code each element of your software & test it alongside; you also merge each element with other units to bring the software architecture in the design stage to life.

Hands-Off Approach: It hinges on a hands-off customer approach as post the initial design & plan, there is minor or zilch customer presence till you reach the review phase.

Demerits

Deficiency in customer engagement: Some projects need a lot of customer involvement based on the product. Also, at times clients do not like a hands-off approach. In any case, this approach leads to frustration as well.

Tough to effect changes: This method believes in following a strict sequence and this makes it tough to go to the previous one to effect changes. This can be problematic if a developer confronts a roadblock. Software development needs adaptability, more so as you cannot expect customers to be familiar with software totally from the start.

Last-Minute Testing: This is a method bound by time. It is not unusual for development projects to go behind the schedule as coding consumes a lot of time. Resultantly, to catch up with the deadline, software developer teams dilute the testing stage by doing a rush job.

Also Read : Which software development approach works best ?

Agile Method

As for the Agile method it is based a lot on involvement and adaptability. It has 2 chief components, such as time and teamwork. In this method, rather than building a timeline for the total software development project, you dissect the same into personal deliverable pieces. These deliverables are known as sprints, each of them involves a few weeks. Once a deliverable is through, it’s submitted to the clients for assessment. This assists in us drawing the plan for the next one.

Advantages

Client engagement: This promotes a positive culture of constant engagement between customer and development team.

Flexibility in terms of Deliverables: It permits dynamism as far as deliverable is concerned. It depends upon the sequence of significant tasks. For instance, it offers flexibility to unleash the basic software prior to building the full suite.

Highly Adaptable: This is the best part of Agile method. It offers customers a clear idea of what is accomplished and what is not; the developer can easily get into the planned sprints devoid of any hiccups.

High client involvement: It is fixated with clients as they get involved in each stage of development.

Demerits

Tough at times: It needs the whole development team to be involved in one project. This is very tough for development companies having several projects happening simultaneously.

Expensive: Time-based sprints permit planning, but prospect of deadline breaching the limit becomes higher. Also, in case a project needs to develop extra sprints, it can be a bit expensive.

Excessive Communication: This method needs very good communication, the developer has to be in regular touch with the client in the entire project.

In the end

The method to use hinges on several factors. For example, Waterfall is ideal when there is no or less need for client interference while Agile would be perfect if the project needs regular feedback and engagement of clients at every stage. Agile is basically meant for complex and big projects devoid of limited budget. You must factor in every facet prior to reaching the end game.

Develop an effective enterprise app with Java

Develop an effective enterprise app with Java

These days a lot of businesses opt for tailored enterprise applications. The reason for this is that they help in accomplishing all of the companies’ objectives. Through this write up we are trying to let you know the essential things required to build a successful enterprise application.

What do you mean by Enterprise Application and Why Do You require the same?

Enterprise applications happen to be the apps with which companies can facilitate and organize tough business methods. These apps are cutting-edge and encompass robust business logic to operate diverse processes and evaluate huge amounts of data.

Types of enterprise applications:

Enterprise management systems are useful for various business processes such as finance and accounting, HR, production and manufacturing, and sales and marketing.

Customer relationship management The systems are segmented into customer analytical apps to collect and evaluate data on your clients and customer service apps that communicate with clients and look into their requests.

Supply chain management systems assist in planning delivery of goods, evaluate product demand, and monitor goods from a warehouse to retail shops.

Enterprise software applications benefit businesses in many ways. Given below are the few examples of these.

Maximize customer service by evaluating customer data and offering best tips on the basis of data collected.

Cut down costs by automating salesforce and customer assistance, thereby reducing the prospects of goods loss or damages.

Enhance marketing plans by assessing goods supply and predicting demand, as well as closely watching customer satisfaction.

Why is Java ideal for Enterprise Application Development?

Java happens to be the much sought after programming language with software developers. As per Stack Overflow Developing Survey, it has been ranked 5th among the most constantly opted programming languages with regard to software development. It’s very flexible and utilized for creating web and mobile applications, building big data analysis software, internet of things (IoT) systems, and enterprise applications.

When it comes to enterprise applications, there is a Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE, formerly known as J2EE) platform. Armed with a host of APIs and a runtime environment, this version of Java fully assists in the creation of enterprise applications. It even aids developers to focus on functionality instead of figuring out the development environment.

What makes this version of Java ideal

Wide variety of development tools

As we all know that software developers have to develop sophisticated systems with expansive and hugely customized functionality, Java provides a set of useful libraries. This apart, it has APIs, development environments (IDEs), and frameworks for adding functionality of any enormity. Also, with a huge choice of tools, Java developers are able to build apps quickly devoid of any potential bugs.

Swift and enhances performance

For enterprise developers there is nothing like Java as it assists in stabilizing enterprise apps. It can also easily counter heavy load of traffic apart from consuming less memory.

Safety assured

This is very critical for enterprise applications as data loss or hacking would lead to heavy damage to the entire business. Java offers heavy protection for data and application and makes data transfer involving a client and a server with highly secured protocols.

Very simple

This is a very unique attribute of Java. This happens to be a language of superior level, very much like English, and hence it becomes convenient to write and maintain. Java offers a lot of scope for flexibility as it enables developers to develop a reusable code that can be used for creating other applications.

Cost-effective

Java EE can quicken the development process and helps in reducing development errors. Each of these factors have a huge bearing on the price tag of enterprise software development.

Ways to create enterprise apps properly

Enterprise app development has undergone huge transformation in the last few years. It has become very dynamic, swift, collaborative, and cost-effective.

In the past IT companies spent a lot on making applications. These days, with the advent of cloud services, superior internet connectivity, and outsourcing it has become possible to create safe, highly functional, reliable, and expandable solutions in less time with frugal cost.

4 reasons why outsourcing helps in making enterprise app development efficient

Leverage the newest Technology

To beat the competition many outsourcing companies provide the latest technologies and tools for the sake of enterprise app development. For example, to efficiently handle business processes of your company, outsourcing companies provide mobile and web apps for you to operate your business from anywhere across the globe. This gives you the privilege to access enterprise systems from any place, all that is needed are a good internet connection and an installed application or a web browser.

Get a huge pool of skillful people

While developing an enterprise application, it is highly likely that you would require developers with superior knowledge in a particular domain. With outsourcing companies, this is hardly a worry as they have a humongous pool of varied specialists to come out with an incredible enterprise app.

Swifter churning and high quality

Outsourcing companies are armed with advanced tools to quicken the pace of software development. The quality of enterprise apps is almost assured. As for tools there are Java Spring framework, Java EE, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and others. They assist developers in focusing solely on building apps and cut out the possibility of configuring the development environment or writing code from scratch.

Offers a lot of scope for reducing expenses

If you outsource enterprise application development, then you can easily cut development costs. This happens as a result of transferring the task of app development to other countries with modest labour costs. Resultantly, you will get an app that is highly cost-effective. However, there is no guarantee that all outsourcing companies are equally good. In order to get good service at a lower cost you need to research a bit as well. In this regard we request you to look at Eastern European software development outsourcing companies as these have got thumbs up on reputed sites like Clutch.

Conclusion

Enterprise application development is not a child’s play as it needs effective tools and very good knowledge. Java happens to be a potent and effective software solution pertaining to enterprise app development. It’s very user-friendly and it comes with a diverse supplementary instruments that ease the process of software development considerably.

Now, the choice before you is to invest in an in-house talent or take the help of outsourcing companies. In case you opt for an outsourcing firm then do a thorough research before selecting your enterprise app developer.

How can businesses benefit with Airbnb’s API?

How can businesses benefit with Airbnb's API?

Airbnb started off in 2008 with the objective of transforming the landscape of vacation rentals or Short-term rentals. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the biggest entities with footprints worldwide and a robust brand name. It provides a perfect platform for people to rent out their vacant residential spaces for travelers or tourists for a short duration. The duration could be one day or several months at a time. Presently, the Airbnb has ceased to be a mere trading space that connects hosts and tourists. It has gone way beyond the realm of rooms and apartments. The platform, currently, also provides local experiences and exclusive information on premium rental spaces for those eyeing world class amenities and facilities. In fact, the Airbnb is also eyeing a bigger pie in the hospitality segment by exploring new arenas.

The online marketplace has also provided people the opportunity to start independent property rental businesses. Over here, they are only required to deliver the property. The other essential things such as the listing, money transactions and customer assistance are very well looked after by the Airbnb. So, the platform has opened several potential business opportunities and it offers all kinds of assistance to business owners. All these could not have been possible without its Application Programming Interface (API).

What exactly is this API?

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a medium that connects two software applications. The applications cannot interact with each other without an API. The interface is widely-widely used, but not many are aware of the same. This is extremely beneficial for developers. For instance, if an application wants to click photos through the camera of a device, the developer does not have to build a camera interface. He or she only has to utilize the camera API of the operating system to insert the built-in camera interface into their app.

The application interface is significant in the matters of security as well. It can restrict the access control on hardware and software functionality for an app. For example, if an app wants access to a device camera via an API, it could be denied the same by the user upon prompting. This totally eliminates all the possibility for an app to access the camera. So, the API ensures that security of a device is not breached by a third-party software application.

Airbnb’s API not for everyone

The Airbnb came out with a distinct API of its own in 2017. The entity has always tread with caution when it comes to selecting partners. Despite heavy demand, the Airbnb had not given access to its API to other companies to make products using its platform.

However, the platform, eventually, became a part of the developer community in 2017 with its API. Following this, external developers got access to the Airbnb API. But, the API is not yet accessible to everyone as Airbnb has put in place several procedural safeguards to restrict the access. Due to the stringent policy, it becomes extremely tough to access the API. This way Airbnb is treading a unique path compared to other businesses in operation.

Benefits of Airbnb’s API to businesses

For those wanting to list their properties on Airbnb space, its API can be a very handy tool. This aspect motivates developers to incorporate effective tools in the API with which people, who list on Airbnb, can gain good control over the online marketplace.

The API provides users with a tool called OAuth. The tool is an open protocol which facilitates authorization of mobile and web applications conveniently in a standardized manner. The OAuth enables users to update the content and the rates of their listings via a single app.

It should also be noted that APIs permits software to software interaction. This implies that the Airbnb can also dispatch data back to the custom apps. So, when people make bookings via Airbnb platform, they will also get reservation and messaging details via API. This aspect ensures that businesses, which use the platform, can streamline their operations in an effective manner.

The procedure to acquire the Airbnb API

Despite being part of the developer community, the API of Airbnb is not easily accessible. The Airbnb has a very stringent policy in terms of providing access to the API.

Earlier, the interested parties had to fill out a form. Then on the basis of this, the company’s partnership managers took a decision on providing access to the API. However, this process has been put on hold now. Currently, the company’s worldwide team of partner managers is providing access to businesses on the basis of the supply potential, the technological prowess, and the capacity to support shared customers. Hence, the ideal option is to approach the company directly or through the partner managers.

If they permit you as a partner, then the Airbnb will give you API documentation in order to work out a development timeline. Now, developers can finish their task and launch the application.

In case of any doubt, seek the help of Airbnb partner manager. Once things are in place, you can start incorporating the list of lodging on the Airbnb platform through the API connection and start receiving travelers from all around the world.

Benefits of Integrating Airbnb API into your business

There are immense benefits for those businesses looking to integrate the Airbnb’s API. It becomes easier to manage the listing on Airbnb platform. You only need to log in to make any tweaks to the content listed, be it about the vacant space or price. In case you have multiple listing on the website, then you need to manage or change the content manually, which could consume a lot of time. However, with a custom property management software, linked to the website via Airbnb’s API, will help you make any number of amends in quick time.

This happens to be one of the convenient methods to manage list of properties on Airbnb.

In case you are dealing with multitudes of renters, then messaging each and every one manually can be a herculean task. In such a scenario, automated messages are the best options to respond quickly to each and every queries. So, an API-linked software can effectively deal with multiple queries and improve your image among customers.

This also helps in customer creation and retention as they would get a feeling that you would be around in case of any issue. In case, developers require any technical assistance that is not there in the documentation for the API, Airbnb’s worldwide team of partner managers will always be there to help you out.

Also Read : What Is API & How Does It Work ?

Seek expert’s help for API integration

If done properly API integration can work wonders for your business. However, the company would suffer a lot if the same is not performed with due diligence. As discussed previously, the API connects two softwares so as to facilitate effective communication between the two.

Hence it becomes imperative to entrust the task of integrating custom software solutions with APIs to experienced and skilled developers. For this you can trust Winklix with your eyes closed. Winklix happens to be one of the leading software companies across the world, which has successfully partnered with both renowned global brands and startups. Be it the custom CMS, payment gateway, mobile app or API integration with Airbnb, our skilled developers with their high-class expertise have accomplished everything. The company is based out of US with offices in Salt Lake City, Utah. So, get in touch with Winklix for any software development activities or smooth facilitation of Airbnb API integration.