Waterfall vs Incremental vs Spiral vs Rad Model
Waterfall vs Incremental vs Spiral vs Rad Model: To deal with the level of intricacy during the software development cycle, different SDLC model is carried out by the software companies. Their point is to convey a quality software product, anyway each model is exceptional as far as their software development approach. To effectively learn with the SDLC models we will look at the different models of Software Engineering. Here we will perceive how each model varies from other as far as cost, time duration, necessities, maintenance etc.
In this article, you will learn-
What is The Waterfall Model?
WATERFALL MODEL is a sequential model that divides software development into pre-defined phases. Each phase should be finished before the next phase can start with no cover between the phases. Each phase is designed for performing specific activity during the SDLC phase. It was presented in 1970 by Winston Royce.
What is Incremental Model?
Incremental Model is a process of software development where necessities divided into numerous standalone modules of the software development cycle. In this model, each module goes through the prerequisites, design, implementation and testing stages. Each resulting arrival of the module adds function to the previous release. The process proceeds until the total system achieved.
What is Spiral Model?
The spiral model is a combination of sequential and prototype models. This model is best used for large projects which include persistent improvements. There are explicit activities that are done in one iteration (spiral) where the output is a small prototype of the large software. Similar activities are then repeated for every one of the spirals until the whole software is built.
What is RAD Model?
RAD model is Rapid Application Development model. It’s a type of incremental model. In Rapid Application Development model the components or functions are developed in parallel as though they were mini projects. The developments are time boxed, delivered and afterward gathered into a working prototype.
This can rapidly give the client something to see and use and to give feedback regarding the delivery and their prerequisites.
Comparison of Various SDLC Models
| Properties of Model | Water-Fall Model | Incremental Model | Spiral Model | Rad Model |
| Planning in early stage | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Returning to an earlier phase | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Handle Large-Project | Not Appropriate | Not Appropriate | Appropriate | Not Appropriate |
| Detailed Documentation | Necessary | Yes but not much | Yes | Limited |
| Cost | Low | Low | Expensive | Low |
| Requirement Specifications | Beginning | Beginning | Beginning | Time boxed release |
| Flexibility to change | Difficult | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| User Involvement | Only at beginning | Intermediate | High | Only at the beginning |
| Maintenance | Least | Promotes Maintainability | Typical | Easily Maintained |
| Duration | Long | Very long | Long | Short |
| Risk Involvement | High | Low | Medium to high risk | Low |
| Framework Type | Linear | Linear + Iterative | Linear + Iterative | Linear |
| Testing | After completion of coding phase | After every iteration | At the end of the engineering phase | After completion of coding |
| Overlapping Phases | No | Yes (As parallel development is there) | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | Least Maintainable | Maintainable | Yes | Easily Maintainable |
| Re-usability | Least possible | To some extent | To some extent | Yes |
| Time-Frame | Very Long | Long | Long | Short |
| Working software availability | At the end of the life-cycle | At the end of every iteration | At the end of every iteration | At the end of the life cycle |
| Objective | High Assurance | Rapid Development | High Assurance | Rapid development |
| Team size | Large Team | Not Large Team | Large Team | Small Team |
| Customer control over administrator | Very Low | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Related:
Software Engineering Tutorial for Beginners: Learn in 7 Days
What is Software Engineering? Definition, Basics, Characteristics
10 Steps to Become a Software Engineer/Developer
Software Engineer vs Software Developer: What’s The Difference?
SDLC: Phases & Models of Software Development Life Cycle
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