The creation of all creations is a method, with software development being no exception. Although there are many methods that can be used to develop software systems, it is important to identify the type of method that best suited to the software you are developing and the situation you operate within. The methods used to develop large scale software systems involving many people may not translate to the type of small scale projects you are likely to be involved with as a freelancer — not due to how the technology works, but due to the social implications of working with people. This is what the study of software methodology is about — the identification of software development methods to efficiently accomplish the production of software to an acceptable standard.

This chapter looks at the features of established methodologies that are relevant to freelance projects so that you can identify the processes relevant for developing your own style of...