What Are Software Development Models?
Software development life cycle models, or SDLC models, are used to navigate the process of software development. Picking the right development model for your project is essential to meet the project needs, achieve the organization’s goals, and uphold stakeholders’ expectations.
Which SDLC model you choose determines the quality, timeline, and budget of the project, so choosing the right software development model is key in producing quality software.
With over 50 recognized SDLC models in use, it can be difficult to determine the right model. We have compiled a list of the 8 most popular software development models to help you determine which is right for you and your next project.
Top 8 Software Development Models
By the end of our time together, you’ll have a general understanding of the following 8 software development models:
- Waterfall Model
- V- Model
- Iterative & Incremental Model
- Prototype Model
- Spiral Model
- Agile Methodology
- SCRUM Model
- Kanban Model
The 8 Software Development Process Models
So what do these 8 software development models look like and how do they differ? Let’s take a look.
Waterfall model
The Waterfall Model is a linear, sequential approach to software development. The Waterfall Model is ideal for smaller projects with clear requirements that are defined and established prior to development. Quality planning is the core of this methodology because it requires each step to be finished in entirety before moving to the next.
Advantages
The Waterfall Model is relatively simple and manageable. It breaks the project into clear, tangible development stages. With clear documentation and planning, your project will be completed in a timely and predictable fashion.
disadvantages
While the Waterfall Model is straightforward, it is also very rigid. The Waterfall Model is not ideal for complex projects or those that are undefined. Changes and unforeseen hurdles are difficult if not detrimental to your project as you move through the development process.
V-Model
Similarly to the Waterfall Model, the V-Model happens sequentially. Unlike the Waterfall Model, which happens in a linear sequential flow, the V-Model moves downward and trends upward following the coding phase.
The V-Model includes a testing phase for each corresponding development phase, hence the name: Verification and Validation Model. This model is ideal for projects with clearly defined deliverables and requirements.
Advantages
The addition of corresponding testing means there is a higher success rate. The V-Model is ideal for smaller scale projects and is simple and easy to use. There is also lower project risk due to the emphasis on verification and validation early in the project cycle.
Disadvantages
The V-Model is not ideal for fluid projects with unknown requirements because of the rigid structure. This model does not allow for iteration of phases and does not handle unforeseen changes during the software development life cycle.
Iterative Model
The Iterative Model, much like the other methods, requires strong investigation and planning as well as thorough management throughout the project. The model builds in complexity and relies on incremental, repeated cycles to build functionality gradually. The software development process begins with a small and specific set of requirements and builds upon it with each iteration.
Similarly, the Incremental Model relies on small iterations where new chunks are added to the project. However, each iteration is relatively independent. Using the Incremental Model of software development requires stability and does not allow for much, if any, change to past iterations.
Advantages
Iterative Model advantages stem from the repetition of iterations. Because the process is repeated, the project can grow and evolve throughout the project’s lifespan unlike the incremental model. Iterative development allows the team to begin without all the full specifications of the project and make small adjustments to the requirements along the way.
Disadvantages
Despite the somewhat flexible nature of iterative projects, major specifications do need to be defined at the outset. No drastic changes can be made to the requirements during the development stage.
Prototype Model
The Prototyping Model is focused on the customer. The project team must focus on developing a deep understanding of the customer’s wants and needs in order to create successful prototypes.
In the Prototyping Model, the development team creates a prototype of the final product. The customer provides feedback that guides developers as their test and refine the final product.
Advantages
This model is advantageous in reducing the number of iterations and increasing product satisfaction. There are also less hurdles during the process because the customer is able to give early feedback and identify roadblocks early on in the development stage.
Disadvantages
The frequent involvement of the client means that there will likely be time and requirements added to the production timeline. Once the prototype makes it to development, no alterations and changes can be made to the overall plan which is a major drawback to many who may consider the Prototype Model.
Spiral Model
The Spiral Model is a method of software development used primarily for risk management. The Spiral Model is used primarily for large and complex projects where the requirements are either unclear or evolving. To successfully complete a project using the Spiral Model, you will need to consult with engineers with a strong history in risk evaluation.
The Spiral Model is broken into four phases: planning phase, risk analysis, engineering phase, and evaluation. It relies on features of the Waterfall Model and the Iterative Model to reap the benefits of both top-down and bottom-up production.
Advantages
Spiral Model advantages are a major benefit to the customer. Customer satisfaction is a hallmark of the Spiral Model as they approve each step before the next begins. This model is highly customizable and allows for in process changes and feature additions. The systematic development process focuses on risk analysis and mitigation.
Disadvantages
The heavy customer involvement can slow the project timeline resulting in unmet deadlines and overbudget projects. The model is made for customization and the focus on customer satisfaction means that the work done cannot be re-used in future projects.
Agile Methodology
Agile software development has quickly taken rank as one of the most popular development methodologies. Agile methodology is a type of development that is focused on people and rapid, iterative development, that requires close collaboration and customer feedback.
With each iteration, the customer provides feedback and helps to evaluate which tasks to prioritize in future iterations. Projects are divided into smaller pieces known as user stories. Each piece is rigorously tested and refined to create the best user experience.
Agile software development has many advantages and disadvantages, but one of the biggest advantages to agile methodology is the increased ROI and business alignment.
While there are many Agile models, the most commonly used methods are Scrum and Kanban.
Read more about Geneca’s approach to agile development.
SCRUM Model
The Scrum Model is the most popular agile software development model. The Scrum Model focuses its iterations into sprints or spurts of rapid application development.. Following each sprint, the developers will evaluate the previous sprint and begin planning for the next in collaboration with the customer.
New features and requirements are added to the next sprint and these spurts continue until the project is complete and ready for release.
Advantages
The Scrum Model has many advantages and disadvantages. One of the biggest advantages is the increased rate of collaboration amongst the team and the customer. Customer involvement means less opportunity for disappointment at deployment and speeds up the time to market.
Disadvantages
The rate of customer involvement, however, does require additional time spent outside of the development process and increases the likelihood of feature changes and requests that threaten deadlines.
Kanban Model
The Kanban Model does not rely on clear iterations unlike the previous models. Rather, the Kanban Model visually outlines the major details of the project, owners, and status reports.
Advantages
Kanban methodology requires strong project management and transparency. Because there are no pronounced iterations, new features and changes can be introduced at any time. This does require consistent customer involvement over the software development lifecycle.
Disadvantages
The lack of a clear planning stage means that timeframes are hard to define. Release dates are difficult to determine and are subject to change depending on the addition or change in requirements.
Deciding which software development model to use on your next software development project can be difficult. Each software development model has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. As you approach your next project, take time to consider your goals and objects and how you would like the software development life cycle to look.
Let the Experts Help
Does your project have clearly defined requirements and timelines or does you have an idea that may grow and evolve during the software development process? Let’s get in touch and figure out which model will work best for you and your business needs.