A software development company tends to deal with questions like how to perform a task, what the input and output are, furthermore, what is the flow of each task, and examining the pre- and post-conditions for each task. However, the answer lies in the Software Process Model, a detailed nd streamlined process model.
The main purpose of a software process model is to identify, guide, control, and perhaps coordinate the tasks to achieve the end product and objectives. Furthermore, it is a structured framework defining the sequence of steps and tasks required to develop a software product.
Moreover, the designing, implementation, coding, evolution, testing, and activities involved in developing a software product. In this blog, we will explore what a software process model is, why every software development company needs one, and perhaps the top seven models used across the industry today. However, this guide will help you understand how to choose the right model and build software more effectively.
What is a Software Process Model?
Software Process Model is a framework that tends to have abilities that involve stages like coding, designing, and testing. However, these stages are placed in a well-structured manner in the software process model. More importantly, software process models act as a bridge between customer expectations and technical execution.
Moreover, they help a software development company translate business requirements into functional software. Software process models help in complex and safety-critical software development.
Essentially, it ensures the streamlining of workflow, eliminates waste, and perhaps its paramount work is to deliver outcomes at a fast pace. Furthermore, it also ensures that all phases are addressed correctly, leading to better, robust, and perhaps makes it a reliable software.
What are the Top 7 Software Process Models?
The software process model is divided into different models. Moreover, they are also categorized as SDLC – Software Development Life Cycle models. Generally, each model tends to have a different objective and a different specialization. Software development companies tend to have various options, while it is extremely essential to identify the significant model. However, the most popular models are:
Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model is a linear, step-by-step software development method in which progress moves steadily downwards through separate stages (such as requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance), with each stage finished before the subsequent one starts, resembling water cascading down.
Detailed planning, thorough documentation make the Waterfall appropriate for projects with well-defined, stable requirements. Moreover, it is less suitable for intricate projects. Perhaps the projects that require adaptability, as minimal opportunities to revisit and modify the prior phases
Key Features
- Plan Driven
- Rigid Structure
- Heavy Documentation
- Coding
- Deployment
- Acceptance, Installation
- Integration and testing
V model
The V model is said to be an extension of the waterfall model, which involves the development process. Furthermore, the V-model or Verification and Validation model or the V- model links each development phase. Moreover, the left side links verification focuses on planning and design linking with right side validation, which forms a “V” shape.
The right side focuses on testing, execution, and works like unit testing. In the testing phase for each relevant development step, the V-Model plays a pivotal role in its foundation and association. Moreover, each stage of the development cycle has a testing phase intimately linked to it. However, this is a very rigorous methodology.
Perhaps the following step begins only once the previous one has been completed. Verification is a static analysis procedure or a review that involves performing without running the code. Moreover, in order to evaluate the product development process, to meet the requirements, it involves performing without running the code. Moreover, this process is Verification.
Validation highlights the use of a dynamic analysis approach (functional or non-functional), as well as code execution for testing. However, the process of classification of software after development, perhaps to analyse whether it satisfies the needs and expectations of the client. However, this is the process of Validation.
Key Features
- Parallel Phases
- Verification
- Validation
- Resource Availability
- Safety Critical Systems
- Early Defect Detection
- Cost / Time Saving
Incremental Model
The Incremental Model in software development builds a system in small, working parts (increments) that are added sequentially, delivering core features first and progressively adding more functionality in each cycle. Each increment goes through its own mini-SDLC (requirements, design, code, test), allowing for early user feedback, quicker value delivery, and adaptability to changing requirements, while making it great for large projects or unclear needs, but requiring good planning for module interfaces.
Key Features
- Progressive Delivery
- Initial level risk management
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Easier Debugging
- Better Feedback
Iterative Model
The Iterative Model focuses on continuous improvement through repeated cycles. Furthermore, development starts with basic requirements and gradually evolves through multiple iterations. Instead of a straightforward linear flow, the Iterative model tends to make development into smaller and perhaps more manageable sections.
Furthermore, the iterative model results in a functioning, improved version of the software. The core concept is to initiate with a straightforward initial implementation found on essential requirements, and then progressively enhance and incorporate additional complexity and features in subsequent iterations until the final system is complete. Moreover, the result of one iteration acts as the input and basis for the following one, enabling ongoing enhancement and response to change.
Key Features
- Rapid Defect Error
- High-Risk Mitigation
- Flexible
- Evolutionary refinement
- Feedback Integration
Agile Model
The Agile model tends to take an iterative and incremental approach. This perhaps breaks the larger projects into smaller and manageable cycles. However, the major focus of Agile lies on rapid delivery, flexibility, and constant customer collaborations to adapt to the changing client requirements. Moreover, it additionally prioritizes the working software in comparison to extensive documentation. Furthermore, it differs from the traditional models.
Key Feature
- Collaboration
- Flexibilty
- Cross-functional Teams
- Project Breakdown
- Risk reduction
- Constant Improvement
Spiral Model
The Spiral Model combines structured planning with iterative development. However, it places strong emphasis on identifying and managing risks early in the project. Each loop of the spiral represents a development phase that includes planning, risk analysis, engineering, and perhaps evaluation.
Moreover, a software development company gradually expands the project scope only after addressing major risks. The basis of the Spiral Model finds its ground in risk assessment and prototyping. However, every loop of the spiral signifies a phase of the software process (e.g., requirements gathering, design, implementation), beginning with a minor initial commitment and growing as risks are identified and mitigated.
Key Features
- Systematic and Controlled
- Evolutionary Prototyping
- Great for large projects
- Highly effective for complex projects
Prototype Model
The prototype model is the software development life cycle that works on an iterative and evolutionary basis. However, at its core, it tends to build a gap between initial ideas and concrete requirements. Moreover, a potential drawback is that continuous user feedback occurs without strict controls, leading to uncontrolled enhancements. However, Prototypes provide concrete assets needed for early usability testing and UI/UX validation, avoiding costly design changes later in the SDLC.
Key Features
- User-Centric development
- High degree of user interaction
- Technical Feasibility
- Clarifying vague requirements
Conclusion
The right software process model plays an important role in project success. Furthermore, the software development company’s decisions are influenced by cost, quality, timelines, and customer satisfaction. However, Companies tend to evaluate projects’ complexity, risk level, client involvement, deadlines, and team expertise.
In conclusion, a software development company should consider the core foundations of its business model. However, while selecting the appropriate software process model, it is important to consider the needs of the client, the objective, and the goal of the project. Perhaps the right framework tends to have the ability to take a business to different heights.