8 Fundamental SDLC Models Every Developer should know about Planning your “to-do” list is always a good idea. It can save time and keep you informed about any last-minute changes. It is indeed true for software development projects as well. In fact, some fundamental software development models can simplify a developer’s job to a large extent. Developing and maintaining software is a rather complex process with multiple stages. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models are a set of structured models that guide the developers during the formidable stages of software development. These SDLC models take various attributes, including project objective, timeline, budget, stakeholders’ feedback, etc.
1. Waterfall Model The Waterfall model is probably the simplest software development model. As its name suggests, this model has been inspired by a natural phenomenon – waterfall. Like any waterfall, this particular SDLC model maintains a linear approach throughout. Developers who follow this web development model believe in completing and documenting the scheduled tasks in each phase as they continue to move downward.
2. Incremental and Iterative Model The incremental and iterative SDLC model takes an evolutionary approach when it comes to developing software. Under this software development model, the initial stage starts by creating a product with a limited set of considerations and requirements. Afterward, the developers keep developing the product with new iterations. Each of these iterations adds new features/design updates to the product.
3. V-shaped Model The next SDLC model in our list is the V-shaped model, also known as the Validation model. It is like an extension to the Waterfall SDLC model. If you’re following the V-shaped model for your software development process, you’ll see that progress doesn’t move in a straight line here. Instead, it rides in the upward direction after the implementation and coding stages.
4. Agile Model One of the most popular SDLC models is the Agile model. Over 70% of global organizations have deployed this model to complete their IT projects successfully. The core principles of the agile SDLC model include an iterative mindset, open communication, and early feedback from customers. Under an agile approach, each product is segmented into small incremental builds. When you’re applying an agile approach, your tasks are divided into brief timelines so that the end-product includes all the necessary features. Also, the Agile SDLC model has different types. The two most popular types being Scrum and Kanban.
5. Spiral Model One of the most popular SDLC models is the Agile model. Over 70% of global organizations have deployed this model to complete their IT projects successfully. The core principles of the agile SDLC model include an iterative mindset, open communication, and early feedback from customers. The spiral SDLC model is a rare software development model that emphasizes assessing the risks relevant to a project. Hence, to make the successful implementation of the spiral model, it is a must that your development team consists of some experienced developers with a background of working in risk evaluation. The stages of a Spiral model are similar to the Waterfall model. However, some additional steps include planning, risk assessment, prototyping, and evaluation.
6. Rational Unified Process (RUP) Model If you’re looking for one of those software development models that can balance between both linear and iterative frameworks, you should explore RUP. Any software development project is segregated across four stages under this model. These include inception, elaboration, construction, and iterations.
7. Prototyping Model As its name suggests, this type of SDLC model believes in developing the software prototype and then converting the prototype into an end product. The underlying idea behind this model is that stakeholders should visualize a software and its functionalities before the end product is ready. Once the prototype is ready, developers can seek feedback from their clients to understand if any other stages of development are required. Once all the changes are made, and the clients are satisfied with the prototype, developers can convert it into the end product straight away. Under this type of SDLC model, users’ feedback plays a central role.
8. Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model The final SDLC model in our list is the Rapid Application Development (RAD) model. This SDLC model is pretty close to the prototyping model since it also moves ahead with creating a prototype and then adding iteration development as needed. However, the only difference being, there’s no room for planning in this model, and the primary focus is on prototyping.