ADMAS UNIVERSITY

Software engineering individual assignment

Department of computer science
Title :- software process models

Name :- Abdulhamid Birhanu

ID:- 0343/23

Sec :- 3DRCS2
What is a software process model?
A software process model is an abstraction of the software development process. The models specify the stages and order
of a process. So, think of this as a representation of the order of activities of the process and the sequence in which they
are performed.

A model will define the following:

 The tasks to be performed

 The input and output of each task
 The pre and post-conditions for each task
 The flow and sequence of each task

The goal of a software process model is to provide guidance for controlling and
coordinating the tasks to achieve the end product and objectives as effectively as
possible.
There are many kinds of process models for meeting different requirements. We refer to these as SDLC models (Software
Development Life Cycle models). The most popular and important SDLC models are as follows:

 Waterfall model
 V model
 Incremental model
 RAD model

 Agile model
 Iterative model
 Prototype model
  Spiral model

Types of software process models

As we mentioned before, there are multiple kinds of software process models that each meet
different requirements. Below, we will look at the top seven types of software process
models that you should know.

Waterfall Model
The waterfall model is a sequential, plan driven-process where you must plan and
schedule all your activities before starting the project. Each activity in the waterfall model is
represented as a separate phase arranged in linear order.

It has the following phases:

 Requirements
 Design
 Implementation
 Testing
 Deployment
 Maintenance

Each of these phases produces one or more documents that need to be approved before the
next phase begins. However, in practice, these phases are very likely to overlap and may feed
information to one another.

The software process isn’t linear, so the documents produced may need to
be modified to reflect changes.

The waterfall model is easy to understand and follow. It doesn’t require a lot of customer
involvement after the specification is done. Since it’s inflexible, it can’t adapt to changes.
There is no way to see or try the software until the last phase.
The waterfall model has a rigid structure, so it should be used in cases where the
requirements are understood completely and unlikely to radically change.

V Model
The V model (Verification and Validation model) is an extension of the waterfall model. All
the requirements are gathered at the start and cannot be changed. You have a corresponding
testing activity for each stage. For every phase in the development cycle, there is
an associated testing phase.

The corresponding testing phase of the development phase is

planned in parallel, as you can see above.
The V model is highly disciplined, easy to understand, and makes project management easier. But it isn’t good for complex
projects or projects that have unclear or changing requirements. This makes the V model a good choice for software
where downtimes and failures are unacceptable.

Incremental Model
The incremental model divides the system’s functionality into small increments that are delivered one after the other in
quick succession. The most important functionality is implemented in the initial increments.

The subsequent increments expand on the previous ones until everything has been updated and implemented.

Incremental development is based on developing an initial implementation, exposing it to user feedback, and evolving it
through new versions. The process’ activities are interwoven by feedback.

Each iteration passes through the requirements, design, coding,

and testing stages.
The incremental model lets stakeholders and developers see results with the first increment. If the stakeholders don’t like
anything, everyone finds out a lot sooner. It is efficient as the developers only focus on what is important and bugs are
fixed as they arise, but you need a clear and complete definition of the whole system before you start.

The incremental model is great for projects that have loosely coupled parts and projects with complete and clear
requirements.

Iterative Model
The iterative development model develops a system by building small portions of all the features. This helps to meet the
initial scope quickly and release it for feedback.

In the iterative model, you start off by implementing a small set of software requirements. These are then enhanced
iteratively in the evolving versions until the system is completed. This process model starts with part of the software,
which is then implemented and reviewed to identify further requirements.

Like the incremental model, the iterative model allows you to see the results at the early
stages of development. This makes it easy to identify and fix any functional or design
flaws. It also makes it easier to manage risk and change requirements.
The deadline and budget may change throughout the development process, especially for
large complex projects. The iterative model is a good choice for large software that can
be easily broken down into modules.

RAD Model
The Rapid Application Development (RAD model) is based on iterative development and
prototyping with little planning involved. You develop functional modules in parallel for
faster product delivery. It involves the following phases:

1. Business modeling
2. Data modeling
3. Process modeling
4. Application generation
5. Testing and turnover

The RAD concept focuses on gathering requirements using focus groups and
workshops, reusing software components, and informal communication.

The RAD model accommodates changing requirements, reduces development time, and increases the reusability of
components. But it can be complex to manage. Therefore, the RAD model is great for systems that need to be produced in
a short time and have known requirements.

Spiral Model
The spiral model is a risk driven iterative software process model. The spiral model delivers projects in loops. Unlike
other process models, its steps aren’t activities but phases for addressing whatever problem has the greatest risk of
causing a failure.

It was designed to include the best features from the waterfall and
introduces risk-assessment.
You have the following phases for each cycle:

1. Address the highest-risk problem and determine the objective and alternate solutions
2. Evaluate the alternatives and identify the risks involved and possible solutions
3. Develop a solution and verify if it’s acceptable
4. Plan for the next cycle

You develop the concept in the first few cycles, and then it evolves into an implementation.
Though this model is great for managing uncertainty, it can be difficult to have stable
documentation. The spiral model can be used for projects with unclear needs or projects
still in research and development.

Agile model
The agile process model encourages continuous iterations of development and testing.
Each incremental part is developed over an iteration, and each iteration is designed to be
small and manageable so it can be completed within a few weeks.

Each iteration focuses on implementing a small set of features completely. It involves

customers in the development process and minimizes documentation by using informal
communication.

Agile development considers the following:

 Requirements are assumed to change

 The system evolves over a series of short iterations
 Customers are involved during each iteration
 Documentation is done only when needed
Though agile provides a very realistic approach to software development, it isn’t great for
complex projects. It can also present challenges during transfers as there is very little
documentation. Agile is great for projects with changing requirements.

Some commonly used agile methodologies include:

 Scrum: One of the most popular agile models, Scrum consists of iterations called
sprints. Each sprint is between 2 to 4 weeks long and is preceded by planning. You
cannot make changes after the sprint activities have been defined.
 Extreme Programming (XP): With Extreme Programming, an iteration can last
between 1 to 2 weeks. XP uses pair programming, continuous integration, test-
driven development and test automation, small releases, and simple software
design.
 Kanban: Kanban focuses on visualizations, and if any iterations are used they are
kept very short. You use the Kanban Board that has a clear representation of all
project activities and their numbers, responsible people, and progress.