Summary
A methodology is a formal set of methods for engaging an activity. In the case of software development, the focus is not only the creation of software, but also managing the many other related activities including communications, requirements definitions and team collaboration.
The use of formalized methodologies in software development helps to avoid the occurrence of common obstacles. An awareness of methodologies developed for use in software development will help you to avoid problematic situations already experienced by other software projects, hence helping you to increase your productivity and profitability. At the same time, a formalized process will help you to keep the threat of politics from derailing the project in question, while also helping to ensure quality by setting standards for activities such as testing and requirements definition that result in the right features being created to serve the project's ambitiont.
