When it comes to implementing code, it is very common among developers to jump into the adventure. We have the conceptual idea of what we want to implement, we look for similar pieces of code that can support us or, if necessary, we write a diagram of what we want to implement on paper. However, this simple way of working, although often effective for us, can lead to errors, discarded work, and in the long run, it results in greater effort. This usually happens when the scope of the development is complex, we have not properly understood the requirement requested of us, or we even had an incorrect idea of how the solution should technically be.
Development Methods
For this reason, although it may seem like greater initial effort—especially until we get used to working with it—it is advisable to use development methods, not to be confused with work or project management methodologies such as agile or waterfall. We are talking about implementation techniques intended for when writing code, such as TDD (Test Driven Development) or DDD (Domain Driven Development).
By applying these techniques we are not only going to eliminate the problem of not knowing how to start addressing the issue and resorting to looking for similar code—saving time and effort—but we will also have the peace of mind and certainty that we are working on solid ground, without the worry of having to go back and redo our code because the proposed solution at the beginning does not correspond with the objective of the stated problem.
In this post, we are going to talk about 4 of the main methods for software development, how they are used, and their advantages. These are:
Test Driven Development
Test Driven Development (TDD), or development guided by tests, is a programming methodology in which software development is based on the creation of automated tests before writing the functional code.
How does it work?
The process follows a repetitive cycle of three steps: write a test that fails, implement the minimal necessary code for the test to pass, and refactor the code while keeping the tests green.
Benefits
This practice helps ensure that the code meets the requirements from the beginning, improves software design, facilitates maintenance, and reduces the likelihood of errors over time.
Behaviour Driven Development
Behaviour Driven Development (BDD), or development guided by behavior, is an agile development methodology that extends Test Driven Development (TDD) by focusing on specifying the behavior of the software from the user's perspective.
How does it work?
In BDD, tests are written in structured natural language (for example, using the Given-When-Then format) to describe specific scenarios of the system, which facilitates collaboration between developers, testers, and business people. These descriptions are then turned into automated tests that guide the code development.
Benefits
BDD seeks to improve communication and ensure that the software meets what the end user really needs.
Domain Driven Development
Domain-Driven Development (DDD), or development guided by the domain, is a software design methodology focused on understanding and modeling the core of the business in collaboration with domain experts.
How does it work?
It proposes building the software around a rich and well-defined conceptual model that faithfully represents the logic and business rules, dividing the system into bounded contexts that allow maintaining code coherence and scalability.
Benefits
DDD promotes a strong connection between business language and software language, facilitating better communication between technical and non-technical people, and favoring a more maintainable design aligned with the organization’s objectives.
Rapid Application Development
Rapid Application Development (RAD), or rapid application development, is a methodology focused on speed and flexibility in software development, prioritizing the quick delivery of functional prototypes over extensive planning.
How does it work?
RAD is based on short development cycles with the active participation of the end user, allowing continuous adjustments according to the feedback received.
Benefits
This reduces the total development time and improves alignment between the final product and the real needs of the client, although it can sacrifice structure or scalability in complex projects if not managed properly.
Conclusion
At Dixmit we are in favor of using any of the methods that help us achieve faster and cleaner implementation, but if you ask us about our favorite, it would undoubtedly be Test Driven Development, as it allows us to define the requirements of the process to be implemented from the beginning, ensuring that what is developed meets the stated specifications.
Moreover, this implementation of tests helps us clarify how to solve the problem programmatically and, last but not least, it helps us maintain good code maintenance and reliability since we have the test implementation from the beginning, saving us effort as leaving this task for the end can make us more reluctant to do it.