Difference Between Methodology and Framework

The two most commonly used and equally misunderstood project management terminologies are Methodology and Framework. Methodologies are stringent practices for accomplishing a project, while frameworks are more fluid, allowing developers to choose according to their needs. Let’s take a detailed look at the two and try to understand the differences between the two.

What is Methodology? 

People often used the terms method and methodology to mean the same thing, but in reality they are very different terms. Method is more like a concept that needs to be defined, systematic, and structured. Method is a like a particular solution or an approach to do something, which is more or less systematic. 

Basically, method is a way of accomplishing something in a structured, systematic way. This brings to our main question – what is methodology? So, methodology is strongly linked to the desired outcome of a field of study. It is a way to systematically solve a problem. It is a combination of two things together – the methods you’ve chosen to get to a desired outcome and the logic behind those methods. 

Methodology refers to a set of processes, tools or practices to accomplish something. The word “ology” means ‘the study of something’, so methodology means the study of methods. In programming terms, methodology refers to the analysis and implementation of programs. The top programming methodologies include Scrum, Agile, Kanban, and so on.

What is Framework?

A framework is a structured approach to a problem. In many ways, it helps focus your attention on certain aspects of a problem. In the programming world, a framework is a platform upon which software applications are built. It is a specific set of pre-defined rules which can be used to deal with problems and it can tell you what to look at and why you’re looking at those aspects of a problem. A software framework is a reusable design platform or a part of a program for software system or subsystems.

 A framework is something programmers can use for, extend or customize for particular computing solutions. Basically, it is a collection of reusable components which means developers do not have to start from scratch each time they write an application or write a code. A framework provides solutions to different types of problem domain, which includes domain frameworks, application frameworks, and support frameworks. So theoretically, a framework is more flexible than a methodology and provides ample room for creativity.

Difference between Methodology and Framework

Meaning of Methodology and Framework

 – People are often confused about project management terminologies such as methodology and framework. The word “ology” means ‘the study of something’, so methodology means the study of methods. Methodology is a way to systematically solve a problem. It is a combination of two things together – the methods you’ve chosen to get to a desired outcome and the logic behind those methods. A framework, on the other hand, is a structured approach to a problem that is needed to implement a model or at least, part of a model. A framework is a skeletal structure around which something can be built.

Programming ( Methodology and Framework)

 – In programming language, methodology refers to a set of processes, tools or practices to help systematically plan and structure your code. It defines the processes used to build software applications and to make sure the whole software development runs smoothly and systematically. A software framework, on the other hand, is a platform upon which software applications are built. It is a reusable design platform or a part of a program for software system or subsystems. It is something programmers can use for, extend or customize for particular computing solutions.

Flexibility between Methodology and Framework

 – A framework is a collection of reusable components which offer libraries of shortcuts for coding, which means developers do not have to start from scratch each time they write an application or write a code. Some frameworks take a more rigid approach to the software development process, while other frameworks are more flexible throughout the software development lifecycle, providing enough room for creativity and allowing developers to select according to their needs or their style of work. Methodology, on the other hand, has its limitations in terms of creativity because it is based on a set of pre-defined rules.

Example of Methodology and Framework

 – One of the best examples of a project management methodology is the Agile methodology, which is a software development process centered around the concept of iterative development. Formally launched in 2001, Agile is an iterative approach to project management which helps the teams work efficiently from the beginning by dividing the whole development process into sprints or small iterations. Some of the most popular and widely used software frameworks are Python, Ruby, .NET, JavaScript, Java, AngularJS, jQuery, Flask, and so on.

Methodology vs. Framework: Comparison Chart

Summary

In a nutshell, methodology is a way to solve a problem systematically, whereas a framework is a skeletal structure around which something can be built. Methodology is strongly linked to the desired outcome of a field of study, whereas a framework is a structured approach to a problem that is needed to implement a model or at least, part of a model. A framework is a loose but inconsistent structure which provides enough room for other processes and tools to be included, whereas methodology has its limitations when it comes to flexibility.

Sharing is caring!