Comparison of Top 6 Software Development Models

6 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT MODELS COMPARISON

Modern developers once dealing with important software development projects always pay attention to the most efficient development strategy. They understand they need to pay attention round-the-clock to accomplish their goals. Every detail of the development process must be taken into consideration. What is more, you need to come up with effective personal tactics. It means, every developer must decide on the most suitable software developement model to use.

This personal approach defines how you will manage the entire development process. Besides, it covers the development stages that are included in a chosen model. Every unique model has its basic flows, key principles, and defined timelines. There are individual methodologies to every software model. There are key 6 software models you can learn about at this web page and in this article. Once checking their key features, you can select the one that suits your project’s goals the most.

1 – Waterfall Model

The Waterfall software model is one of the key modern development models that gained popularity among developers. This model is also called linear. It is because of the way every stage of the process is implemented one after another. You cannot start the next stage before completing the previous one.  The developers cannot ignore any defined stage any longer. 

This model brings quite a simple timeline. Thus, it is the most suitable for short-term projects. It brings fixed and clear requirements. It also offers a stable and clear product definition. The developers can use plenty of resources to complete their projects. Additionally, the model calls for a permanent budget that cannot be altered afterward. 

Clients greatly prefer the model since it allows them to check the development process easily. The only problem is the lack of ability to go back to the previous stages. Thus, everything must be done properly at once.

2 – Iterative and Incremental Model

Due to this particular model, the initial development process is always on the go with a few defined requirements. After, the product goes through numerous iterations. Thus, when the increments are implemented, the product is modified to gain all the needed features and be ready to be installed. Since you develop only a minor part of the software product, you can do changes or reviews at any time. The time for making a review is minimal. It makes the iterations more fixated. Besides, you can bring iterations whenever you need to come up with a new version of your product. This is one of the few software development models that allow figuring out any flaws and fixing them at the beginning of the development process. 

3 – Spiral Model

The Spiral Model is the blend of the two previously mentioned development models. The Waterfall model brings the advanced ability to control the entire development process. The Iterative methodology brings the key cycled development features. The most prominent characteristic of a Spiral Model is risk analysis. The project is swirling around the spiral where the iterations are made. The model brings 4 main stages. They include the initial identification, design stage, construct, and risk analysis. The mentioned risk analysis (evaluation) allows monitoring and estimating the management risks and technical viability. This particular model has budget limits. It can be used for long-term projects development. Because of the complexity of requirements, they should be always clear to accomplish the key goals.

4 – V-shaped Model

The V-model allows accomplishing the software development project in a sequence and line with the V shape. The full label of the model is the Verification and Validation model. It is centered on Waterfall Model greatly. Still, it has one significant modification. Every stage according to this model has a testing phase in the end. According to it, once you accomplished a certain stage, you need to test it. The validation and verification processes are going in parallel. The model brings requirements analysis and integration testing. It comes with system testing and the following acceptance testing. This is one of the software models with extra clear requirements and stable technology. The V-model lacks flexibility. Still, you can manage it as an SDLS easily due to its clear requirements and technology.

5 – Agile Model

The Agile methodology brings the top features of the Iterative and Incremental Model. Still, this particular model is more adaptive. Besides, it allows the development of software at a better speed. The customers prefer this model among the other development process models due to its flexibility. The model offers numerous iterations with a defined timeline. It assured lower production costs and a decrease in time required for production. The model includes unit testing and the following acceptance testing. It allows clients to get fast feedback about the development process following all the original requirements. This model is the best for minor and standard software development projects.

6 – Prototype Model

The Prototype Model differs slightly from other software engineering process models. According to the model, the developers need to produce software product prototypes to see the full picture of the incomplete creation. It helps to understand the customer requirements better in the early stages of development. Once the initial prototype is developed, the review, revision, and enhancement stages are the following. The developers who choose the Prototype Model can deal with its variations. It includes Rapid, Evolutionary, Incremental, and Extreme Prototyping. The Prototype Model is the most fitting if the software calls for lots of data processing.

Conclusions

Every developer and client can select a single most efficient model among the offered software design models. It all depends on the type of project you are planning to accomplish what kind of model you need. Besides, once checking the key features of every software model presented, you can figure out for yourself how it can be beneficial for your ultimate development goals. Make sure to check all the features and principles of every defined software development model to make the right final choice.

Author Bio:

Jenson O’Connell is an expert from JatApp blog who writes on issues surrounding IT development and technology. He regularly publishes in many high-profile editions and helps his readers understand trends in the tech industry and programming infrastructure.