Methods & Techniques
The following concepts sometimes are mixed-up:
a) A Method is a process, a set of rules about how to instantiate certain assumptions, theories and principle in order to reach a goal. Techniques are means to achieve such goals, possibly supported by Tools to make the method succeed.
b) A Methodical approach is a combination of Methods and Tools to do something.
c) A Methodology is the study of (a set of) methods, techniques and tools.
Examples of Methods:
- RUP: Rational Unified Process, an iterative software development process framework.
- CBD: Component Based Development, design & development of individual components being software packages like web services, or module that encapsulate a set of related functions or data.
- Agile software development, a group of software development and -management methods based on iterative and incremental development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross-functional teams. Examples of such methods are Scrum project management, and Extreme Programming.
- Data modelling in software engineering is the process of creating a data model by applying formal data model descriptions using data modelling techniques.
Examples of Techniques:
- UML: Unified Modelling Language, a graphic notation technique to create visual models. Examples of the used techniques: system context diagram, use cases, information model. Tools as Enterprise Architect are applicable.
- Normalisation: technique of optimal structuring data in order to obtain e.g. a logical (normalised) or a physical (de-normalised) data model.
- Data Modelling techniques, such as ERD (Entity Relationship Diagram), Bachman Diagrams, Object Modelling, etc. Examples of tools: Embarcadero ER, TOAD Data Modeller, etc.