software development model (Term Paper Sample)

Software Development Model Student's name Professor's name Institution Date Software development model According to Steve (2002), programming process model refers to an abstract representation that describes the process from a given perspective. There are various development models that are in use currently. The Waterfall Model This model has been existence for a long time and is widely used in governments and big companies. In the model, planning is emphasized early in the design stages to ensure design flows are avoided before they emerge. It has intensive document and planning that makes it easy to achieve quality control. This model is easy to implement, identifies milestones and deliverables and ensures good design habits. However, it is not easy to integrate risk management and serious errors are usually determined late due to late delivery. It is also hard to accurately predict requirements very early in the project. V-shaped model This model involves the execution of processes sequentially. This means that one phase is completed before starting the next one. A lot of testing is emphasized in this model as the testing procedures are developed early in the cycle before any coding is done. The V-shaped model has a number of advantages. It is easy and simple to use and each of the phases have particular deliverables. There is also a high chance of success due to early testing that is done. However the model is rigid as there is little flexibility and it is difficult and expensive to adjust the scope. The model also does not give a clear path to be followed for problems that are in the testing phases. Iteration model In the iteration model, the projected is usually divided into smaller parts. With this, the development team is able to show results early in the development stage. As a result, they are able to collect constructive feedback from the intended software users. The feedback got from one phase usually provides important information to be used in the design of the next phase. The iteration model makes it possible to achieve faster results. It offers greater flexibility and requires less information to be provided. The software products at the end of each phase can go into production as soon as possible. However, the model is a bit costly and cannot work for small projects. Spiral model This model is the same as the iteration model just that there is more emphasis put on risk analysis. "The model involves four stages where the software passes in iterations that are referred to as spirals." (Kuhl, 2002) These are; planning, risk analysis, engineering and evaluation. In the planning stage requirements are gathered while in the risk analysis phase, possible risks and solutions are identified and a prototype produced. The software is produced in the engineering phase and the customer evaluates it in the evaluation phase. The model comes with benefits such as early production and high amount of risk analysis. The dis...