What are the different models in the Software Development Life Cycle?
What are the different models in the Software Development Life Cycle? – Software Development Life Cycle is a step by step process in order to get a quality product which is requested by the requestor. The artifact created in one step becomes the input to the next step which leads to a releasable or final product. The process of software development is a never-ending cycle. The first release of a software application is about to finish and already in the queue are additional features and bug fixes waiting to be designed, developed, and deployed.
Requirements are translated into design, the code is produced according to the design, testing should be done on a developed product based on requirement, and the software is deployed once the testing was completed. Below are the different phases which are followed in SDLC, they can merge with each other or can be used parallel depends on the methodology being used.
- Planning
- Requirements
- Designing and Prototyping
- Coding/Development
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
Software Development Life-Cycle Models
There are different approaches or model which uses SDLC phases in order to develop a quality product. Below are some of the models:
- Waterfall Model
- Spiral Model
- Iterative Model
- Agile Model
Waterfall Model: Waterfall Model is a traditional model. It is also called as Sequential Design Process, in which the progress is seen as flowing downwards like a waterfall, through the different phases such as Requirement Gathering, Feasibility Study/Analysis, Design, Coding, Testing, Installation, and Maintenance. Every next phase is begun only once the goal of the previous phase is completed. This methodology is preferred in projects where quality is more important as compared to schedule or cost. This methodology is best suitable for short-term projects where the requirements will not change. This process is strictly documented and predefined with features expected to every phase of this software development life cycle model.
Spiral Model: Spiral model works in an iterative nature. It is a combination of both Prototype development process and Linear development process (waterfall model). This model places more emphasis on risk analysis. Mostly this model adopts to the large and complicated projects where risk is high. Every Iteration starts with a planning and the ends with the product evaluation by the client.
Iterative Model: This model does not need the full list of requirements at the beginning of the project. The development process may start with the requirements of the functional part, which can be expanded later. The process is repetitive, allowing making new versions of the product for every cycle. Every iteration includes the development of a separate component of the system, and after that, this component is added to the functional developed earlier.
Agile: Agile breaks down larger projects into small, manageable chunks called iterations. At the end of each iteration (which generally takes place over a consistent time interval), something of value is produced. The product produced during each iteration should be able to be put into the world to gain feedback from users or stakeholders. The Agile methodology can be considered as a collection of many different projects, which are nothing but the iterations of the different phases focusing on improving the quality of software with the help of users or quality teams reviews.
