1. A developing method for developing a latent image bearing member into a visible image with a one-component developer carried by a developer carrier, comprising the steps of: disposing the developer carrier with a space gap with respect to said latent image bearing member in a developing zone; alternately moving the developer in opposite directions by applying to the developing zone an alternating voltage having a phase for effecting a forward transition of the one-component developer from the developer carrier into contact with the image bearing member, and a phase for effecting reverse transition of the one-component developer from the image bearing member into contact with the developer carrier; and controlling, in accordance with the potential of the latent image carried by the latent image bearing member, the voltage of at least one of the phases of the alternating phases, for maintaining the said forward and reverse transitions of developer with shifts in latent image potentials.