What are the Software Development Models?

The development models are the various processes or methodologies that are being selected for the development of the project depending on the project’s aims and goals. There are many development life cycle models that have been developed in order to achieve different required objectives. The models specify the various stages of the process and the order in which they are carried out.

The selection of model has very high impact on the testing that is carried out. It will define the what, where and when of our planned testing, influence regression testing and largely determines which test techniques to use.

There are various Software development models or methodologies. They are as follows:

1. Waterfall model
2. V model
3. Incremental model
4. RAD model
5. Agile model
6. Iterative model
7. Spiral model

Choosing right model for developing of the software product or application is very important. Based on the model the development and testing processes are carried out.

Different companies based on the software application or product, they select the type of development model whichever suits to their application. But these days in market the ‘Agile Methodology’ is the most used model. ‘Waterfall Model’ is the very old model. In ‘Waterfall Model’ testing starts only after the development is completed. Because of which there are many defects and failures which are reported at the end. So, the cost of fixing these issues are high. Hence, these days’ people are preferring ‘Agile Model’. In ‘Agile Model’ after every sprint there is a demo-able feature to the customer. Hence customer can see the features whether they are satisfying their need or not.

‘V-model’ is also used by many of the companies in their product. ‘V-model’ is nothing but ‘Verification’ and ‘Validation’ model. In ‘V-model’ the developer’s life cycle and tester’s life cycle are mapped to each other. In this model testing is done side by side of the development.

Likewise ‘Incremental model’, ‘RAD model’, ‘Iterative model’ and ‘Spiral model’ are also used based on the requirement of the customer and need of the product.