Iterative Development: An Introduction

The industry of mobile and web development is moving at a rapid pace. Developers have access to new tools and methods to help them create better apps.

Businesses and developers need to stay up-to-date on the latest software development technologies and life cycles in order to succeed. Software development life cycles allow companies to deliver high-quality products quickly and efficiently with fewer errors.

This article is easy to understand for beginners and explains iterative design, which is a common life cycle in software development.

What is Iterative Development?

Iterative development refers to the process of simplifying the software development process by breaking it into smaller parts.

The code is created and tested in several iterations.

Iterative development is a method of developing software incrementally by repeating small iterations.

The process begins with the specification of and implementation of a component. Each iteration produces a new version. This continues until the final product is produced. The iterative approach does not start with a complete requirements specification.

Iterative development, in simple terms, is a method of dividing the software development for a large application into smaller parts.

Iterative development uses smaller, more manageable project iterations. Agile techniques like Scrum use iterations to produce deliverable products.

What are Iterations?

Also known as Sprints, these are short development cycles that are limited in time.

This means that the developer is given a time limit to complete a particular development cycle. Developers are not done until they produce usable code.

Developers can incorporate modifications into the final product through iterative development.

Unexpected difficulties can only be found in the development phase if traditional methods are used. Iteratively, it is possible to avoid this by breaking down the project into stages and allowing the team to assess the progress and make any necessary modifications before moving on.

Iterative Development: History

The ‘Kanban Method’ was introduced in the 1950s to allow for iterative SDLC models. It was based on lean production principles, which emphasize efficiency, speed of delivery and iterative improvement. It was easy to make it more iterative.

It has also been applied to other SDLC methods that are not mentioned in this article.

1999 was a good year to study the effectiveness of an iterative process.

Interestingly, human learning is an iterative process that involves trial and error.

This hypothesis led to the conclusion that the same approach could be used to create software faster and with fewer errors.

This same approach has been used to develop better software.

Microsoft’s 2004 iterative strategy in software development led to more developers joining the company.

This strategy has seen further development over the years. To ensure more efficient product development, agile and lean software development use the iterative method.

Iterative Development vs Incremental Development

Iterative and Incremental Development is a combination of incremental and iterative development. Software engineers use it to assist in project management.

An iterative life cycle differs from an incremental one in that iterative processes are constantly improving, while incremental processes move at a slower pace.

Let’s take a look at these strategies in detail.

A incremental strategy breaks down the software development process into manageable pieces known as increments.

Each iteration builds upon the previous one, allowing for incremental gains.

Iterative: A iterative paradigm is a repetition of software development cycles, known as iterations. Each iteration is followed by a new version of the program until the best product is reached.

Both incremental and iterative development models complement each other, which is why they are often used in conjunction to improve their efficacy and deliver project deliverables.

Difference Between Iterative vs Agile Development

Agile development is a product lifecycle approach that continuously supplies product value. Contrary to traditional project approaches, where the product is built from the beginning to its conclusion, Agile development does not do this. Agile development views each Product Increment as a distinct stage in the continuous evolution of the product.

This is the most popular method of software development. Agile development is a combination of incremental and iterative work processes that prioritize customer satisfaction while quickly delivering a functional product.

These are the main differences between Agile and Iterative Development.

S/N	DEVELOPMENT OF ITERATIVE TECHNOLOGIES	AGILE DEVELOPMENT
1.	Iterative models are a method of software development where implementation starts with small pieces and moves iteratively to the final solution by the involvement of functional teams.	Software development can be described as Agile Methodology. This is a method that improves specifications and solutions through the ongoing cooperation of functional teams.
2.	Sprint is the acronym for the development process in this paradigm.	This paradigm refers to the development process as an Iteration.
3.	Sprints allow teams to review products.	Iteration baseline products can be reviewed by teams that collaborate.
4.	This paradigm has two main roles: Scrum Master, and Team Member.	This paradigm has two roles: project manager or team member.
5.	While team members estimate, the Scrum Master is responsible for maintaining the facilities.	Each iteration’s completion and estimation is the responsibility of the Project Manager.
6.	Test cases are prepared, identified, and executed by team members.	The test case creation, identification, and execution are the responsibility of testers.

Iterative development is the process

The iterative development process is not like the waterfall method. It follows a different path. To reach the overall deployment stage you will need to complete your initial planning. This is not necessary. Then, repeat the remaining stages for each iteration, with thorough testing in between.

Each iterative cycle begins with software and system integration testing. Each stage is evaluated and a decision is taken. The result can be saved or discarded for the next cycle.

Additionally, small portions of the software can be worked on during each iteration. This is called incremental prototyping.

This model of SDLC allows developers to modify previous cycles until they meet all requirements and deliver a final product.

Let’s take you through each stage more clearly.

Step 1: Planning, Analysis

Software requirements are determined by customers and developers in the planning phase. This process will be repeated in subsequent iterations, so it is not necessary to assess quality and risks at this stage.

This phase will be repeated in subsequent iterations, ensuring that quality is maintained and risks are minimized.

Once all requirements have been established, an analysis is done to speed up the development process. This includes identifying database models.

Let’s say, for example, you need an e-commerce app that is time sensitive.

The home page, shopping cart, checkout and payment infrastructure must be included first.

After you have completed the initial planning of each requirement, where you will define the project requirements, target audience, and client’s needs, you can move on to the next step.

Your first iteration will be the most important. It will include your homepage, shopping cart and payment system templates.

Once you’ve completed the previous level, you can only move on to the next one. This is what happens as a result of the iterative processes.

Stage 2: Design

Iterative development is less important than other processes because the design is not as critical. It is important to continue with this phase in order to create the software’s architecture. This section is where the design team creates technical requirements such as data layers, languages, and services.

In the case of an e-commerce marketplace, designers will describe the business rules and data layers needed to create a basic version.

Once you are done, move on to execution.

Stage 3: Execution

This stage is where the developers begin to write the code for the initial version of the software. Under the coding principles, the developers design the technical architecture and database as well as the programs for the first iteration module.
You will need to follow the coding principles in order to write code.

This phase will be used to create your first iteration module’s technical structure, database, and programs.

Keep in mind that testing and implementation are often performed concurrently to ensure no defects reoccur.

If you think you have written a section of code incorrectly, you can change it and move on to the next iteration.

Stage 4: Testing, Examination

During the testing phase, any potential bugs in the code will be examined. Unit testing allows for the examination of individual code units. Unit testing ensures that code units function correctly when they are combined. User acceptance testing verifies that the system meets user requirements.

Additionally, the testing team evaluates the security and integrity of the iteration module against possible attacks using various methods such as black box (no access or partial access to the source code), greybox (partial access the source code) and white box (full accessibility to the source code).

Stage 5: Evaluation

You’ll assess the project after each iteration. The project’s authenticity and efficiency will be evaluated by the client.

Your audience, or you, as a developer, may encounter issues with functionality, UI design and UX design after testing.

This stage is where you will gather feedback and begin planning your next iteration.

If the client wishes to use the maintenance option, you will provide weekly or monthly maintenance.

The Iterative Model: An Illustration

Phase I: Conceptualization

Make your idea a model or draw it

Before moving to the next stage, make a prototype and conduct market research. This phase should again include end-user and stakeholder feedback.

Create a prototype that can be used to test the concept

Make a prototype from your idea in foam or 3D printing and share it with stakeholders and users to verify that it is feasible.

Phase II: Phase of Technical Development

Prototyping Expansion

Prototype technologies such as 3D printers and CNC machines make it possible to create more complex product versions. Prototypes can also be made using the same materials as the final product.

Testing for Quality Assurance

The final prototype is subject to quality control. Engineers then make decisions about the larger-scale manufacturing process.

Phase III: Pilot Phase

Introduce the product to customers/clients

Only a limited number of people will be allowed to try the product. Get user feedback and point out any areas that need improvement.

Take your steps back

Based on the findings of the pilot study, you can either move to manufacturing or go back to prototyping.

Phase IV: Production Stage

The First Run of Production is Completed.

Any design flaws not yet discovered in the first year of manufacturing will be apparent.

Request Alterations

You can keep a copy of any previous revisions of your product in a database even after it is released. This database is an invaluable tool for improving your product.

Iterative Model Applications: When to Use

Although it can be appealing to use an iterative process to develop any and all projects due to its flexibility it is not ideal for all types of projects. The crucial question now is how to use it.

After weighing the pros and cons, you can decide if iterative development is necessary for your project.

• The software application is very large.
• Even though requirements may not be well-defined they are easily understood.
• Future requirements will need to be modified.
• Very few iterations have resources that are not available at the time of usage but can be used in a future iteration.

Merits of Iterative Development

Scrum teams often design, build and test their product or code repeatedly during iterative development. After each iteration, the group gathers feedback from users and stakeholders and uses that information to design the next iteration.

Iterative development allows teams to review and modify their methods. This results in continuous improvement (Kaizen).

After the design of the software application is completed, coding begins. Testing starts after phase gate reviews have been passed.

Iterative work improves changeability. There are pros and cons to iterative development.

We have now understood the meaning and the model of iterative software development. Now it is time to look at the benefits of this SLDC.

• This increases consumer satisfaction to its maximum extent.
• Increases the value of the product/service
• This allows for the expedited delivery software, services, and products.
• Contributes to continuous progress (Kaizen).
• Early detection of potential problems and flaws is key.
• Functional prototypes can be developed at an early stage of the project’s life cycle.
• It is easy to measure progress.
• Reduce your time spent recording and spend more time designing.
• Modifications to a project are easier and more cost-effective to make.
• Iteration allows for the identification of most risks and the prioritization of those with greater risk.
• The operation’s duration is dramatically reduced.
• Each iteration leads to the final product.
• We value customer feedback and not just technical specifications.

Iterative Process Demerits

We have highlighted the benefits of iterative development in the section just completed. We will now learn more about the drawbacks of using this SDLC.
You may need additional resources.

• Sequential phases that don’t overlap.
• Iterative development processes may require additional resources.
• It may be necessary to manage a complex project.
• System architecture concerns can be a problem due to the absence of complete requirements definitions for the entire system.
• It is possible that a project’s multiple iterations will make it difficult to set a date for its conclusion.
• It could be time-consuming and difficult to find highly qualified individuals to perform risk assessments.

Iterative development, in short, is a method of software development that works in small phases and iterations. This strategy is used to ensure the efficiency of the team, processes, and the quality of the software. This strategy is ideal for large software programs that require changes to be made based on feedback and reviews regularly, rather than at the end.

Iterative development strategies are best done correctly and with the necessary technical skills. This will ensure a high-quality product that meets the requirements of its intended functionality.

Software development is iterative. It doesn’t adhere to one design or idea during the entire process. Each step in waterfall development is “gated.”

This development concept will help you decide if iterative development is right for your business.