Project Management in Software Development: A Comprehensive Guide
Working in software involves a lot more than just writing code. Developers must deal with shifting end user requirements, collaborate with other departments like design and QA, handle maintenance such as debugging and refining past deployments, and much more. With so much asked of a functional dev team, project managers are often employed to help keep tasks organized and running smoothly.
This complete guide to software development project management is designed to provide an overview of what being the manager of a software project entails, how to choose a methodology for the project, and the best tools to help see it to completion.
What is project management in software development?
Software development is the process of designing, coding, testing, and maintaining applications or systems for specific tasks. A software project includes many other aspects that don’t involve writing a single line of code, including gaining input from internal and external stakeholders, collaboration between different development teams, keeping track of budget constraints, and meeting hard deadlines.
These non-coding tasks are essential for the success of commercial software projects, but they tend to be outside the scope of experience and interest for developers. This is where a project manager comes in. They are in charge of managing timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring clear communication between stakeholders, and resolving any roadblocks.
What does a project manager do in software development?
A project manager in software development is responsible for a number of tasks, including:
- Managing the software development life cycle, and ensuring smooth transitions between stages like coding, testing, and development.
- Defining project scope and requirements after consulting with relevant stakeholders.
- Ensuring developers have the resources they need for seamless integration.
- Updating clients or stakeholders on project progress and any scope changes.
- Identifying and managing risks to prevent delays.
- Utilizing project tracking tools effectively.
- Allocating and managing budget and resources.
Software development project management methodologies
Project management methodologies are structured approaches used to plan and execute projects effectively. Within software development, popular methodologies include:
Agile
Agile is an iterative methodology that focuses on delivering small, workable parts of software quickly through sprints and continuous improvement based on feedback.
It is most ideal for development projects where requirements are expected to change frequently.
Scrum
Scrum uses time-boxed sprints to deliver incremental updates.
It is often used in projects requiring regular feature updates.
Kanban
Kanban revolves around the kanban board and focuses on continuous delivery rather than sprints.
It is often used in maintenance or support projects.
How do you manage a successful project in software development?
Managing a project successfully involves defining scope, ensuring communication, tracking progress and risks, assembling the right team, and being adaptable to changes.
What is the primary goal of software project management?
The primary goal is to ensure the successful delivery of a project with high quality and meeting defined deadlines and budgets.
Tools for software development project management
Tools like Jira offer features such as scrum and kanban templates, automation, release and deployment management, dependency mapping, and insights for better project management.
Benefits of project management software for development teams
- Simplifies project planning and tracking.
- Reduces likelihood of budget overruns or misallocated tasks.
- Improves collaboration and productivity.
- Preempts blockers and enhances coding productivity.
- Easy reporting for non-technical stakeholders.