7 Software Development Models: Which One To Choose?

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Generally speaking, every IT project requires the proper strategy to work. If you don’t take care of the project, it will most likely end in failure. There can be many reasons for this. For instance, it can be inaccurate goal-building or prioritization. If a web developer doesn’t select the right method for developing software, then nothing will be according to the predefined plan.

The process of developing an operating system is referred to as SDLC. It is a proper sequence of certain actions that, when performed consecutively, results in the successful completion of a project. In other words, this scheme helps developers create digital software.

By selecting a software development model, an IT professional influences many stages of development, like testing, selection of a plan, and many more. From the time of taking responsibility for a project, programmers should understand what is happening in reality and why a digital product is important.

Programmers should also understand that there is no software development model that is considered universal. Every model has its own pros and cons and suits particular conditions and assignments. In this blog post, we’ve explained seven popular software development models and their strengths and weaknesses. But before considering the models, let’s understand why they are needed!

Why You Need Software Development Models

Software development models structure the development process and help developers ensure clarity, efficiency, and quality in the project. They provide developers with a strategic approach to planning, executing, and handling IT projects.

Teams can use Waterfall, Spiral Model, Scrum, and other software development models to better manage risks and enhance communication and collaboration. These frameworks not only facilitate iterative development but also enable developers to adapt to evolving changes. Ultimately, the software development models automate operations, lower project costs, and enhance the quality of a finished product.

Top 7 Software Development Models

Choosing the right software development model is critical for the success of a project. Each model has its strengths, weaknesses, and suitable use cases. Let’s have a brief look at every software model in brief!

1. Waterfall Model

The Waterfall Model is one of the earliest and simplest software development models. It follows a linear, sequential approach.  Each phase gets completed before the next one begins. This makes it highly structured for projects with well-defined requirements from the start.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterfall Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Simple to understand and implement	Lack of flexibility; not suited for projects with changing requirements
Well-structured and systematic	Late-stage identification of issues can lead to costly rework
Ideal for smaller projects with clear requirements	Limited customer involvement once the project begins
Progress is easily measurable at each stage	Testing phase starts after development, increasing the risk of undiscovered bugs

Factors for Choosing the Waterfall Model

• Requirements are well understood and unlikely to change
• The project is small to medium-sized
• Stakeholders demand a clear timeline and predictable progress
• Testing is not an immediate priority
• The client does not need regular involvement

2. Agile Model

The Agile model is a flexible, iterative approach that promotes continuous improvement and frequent feedback from stakeholders. It breaks down development into smaller cycles called sprints. This allows developers to make regular adjustments according to changing requirements.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Agile Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Highly flexible and adaptable to changes	Can be difficult to predict timelines and costs
Encourages continuous customer feedback	Requires close collaboration and frequent communication
Faster delivery of working software through sprints	May lead to scope creep if not managed properly
Early identification of issues due to continuous testing	Less structured, which might be challenging for larger teams

Factors for Choosing the Agile Model

• Requirements are expected to evolve over time
• The client values frequent deliverables and feedback
• The project team is experienced and can handle rapid iterations
• There is a need for flexibility in scope and functionality
• The project requires ongoing customer involvement

3. Spiral Model

The Spiral Model combines elements of both iterative and Waterfall models with a strong focus on risk management. It involves repeated iterations (spirals). Here, each phase focuses on planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spiral Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Excellent for managing large, complex projects	Can be costly due to risk analysis at every stage
Focuses heavily on risk mitigation	Requires a high level of expertise in risk management
Allows for iterative refinement of requirements	May take longer to reach a final product compared to other models
Continuous customer feedback is possible at every stage	Can become too complex for smaller projects

Factors for Choosing the Spiral Model

• The project is large and high-risk
• Frequent refinement of requirements is needed
• Risk management is a critical aspect of the project
• The client is highly involved in the process
• A phased approach with prototyping and feedback is necessary

4. V-Model (Verification and Validation Model)

The V-Model is an extension of the Waterfall model. However, this model emphasizes more on testing at every development stage. Moreover, every development phase is mirrored with a corresponding testing phase. This ensures that validation occurs throughout the process.

Advantages and Disadvantages of V-Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Testing is integrated into every development phase	Inflexible; changes require reworking both development and testing
Early detection of defects	Requires thorough documentation, which can be time-consuming
Better control over quality assurance	Not suited for projects with evolving requirements
Clear and structured process	High upfront planning and strict adherence to the sequence

Factors for Choosing the V-Model

• The project has well-defined, unchanging requirements
• High emphasis on quality and testing
• The team is comfortable with a structured and systematic approach
• The project involves critical systems where defects can have serious consequences
• Timely validation and verification of each phase are critical

5. Scrum Model

Scrum is an Agile framework that focuses on teamwork, accountability, and iterative progress towards a well-defined goal. It is characterized by short, time-boxed iterations called sprints.  typically lasting 2-4 weeks, with frequent feedback and retrospectives.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Scrum Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Promotes a high degree of collaboration and communication	Requires dedicated team members for continuous involvement
Regular feedback ensures continuous improvement	Can lead to chaos if roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined
Delivers functional product increments frequently	May struggle in very large projects without proper scaling techniques
Adaptable to changing requirements	Can be time-consuming due to regular meetings and reviews

Factors for Choosing the Scrum Model

• The project is fast-paced and requires frequent deliverables
• The team is self-organizing and experienced with Agile methodologies
• Close collaboration with the customer is required
• Flexibility is a priority in addressing changing requirements
• There is a need for constant improvement through feedback loops

6. RAD Model (Rapid Application Development)

The RAD model emphasizes rapid prototyping and quick feedback from users. It focuses on developing functional prototypes early in the process, allowing developers to adjust the project based on customer input throughout.

Advantages and Disadvantages of RAD Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Speeds up development by focusing on prototypes	Not suitable for large-scale or highly complex projects
Encourages user feedback and early testing	Requires frequent customer involvement, which may not always be feasible
Reduces the risk of project failure through early revisions	Limited scalability, making it impractical for long-term projects
Minimal planning, faster turnaround time	Lack of initial planning can lead to feature creep

Factors for Choosing the RAD Model

• Rapid development and early user feedback are critical
• The project scope is small to medium-sized
• The client can provide ongoing feedback and approval
• Flexibility and speed are prioritized over detailed documentation
• The team is experienced with iterative development processes

7. Incremental Model

In the Incremental Model, the project is divided into small, manageable components or increments. Each increment builds upon the previous one, gradually adding new features or functionality until the product is fully developed.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Incremental Model

Advantages	Disadvantages
Delivers functional components early in the process	Requires careful planning to ensure integration of all increments
Easier to test and manage due to smaller, focused increments	Can lead to scope creep if not well-managed
Allows for user feedback at each stage	May take longer to fully deliver the final product compared to other models
Reduces risk by delivering high-priority features first	Not suitable for projects where requirements are unclear

Factors for Choosing the Incremental Model

• The project can be broken down into smaller, independent components
• High-priority features need to be delivered early
• The client is available for feedback at regular intervals
• Testing and troubleshooting are required throughout the process
• The project allows for iterative development and refinement

At PureLogics, we specialize in delivering customized software development solutions using the best-suited models for your project. Whether you need flexibility with Agile, rapid delivery through RAD, or a structured approach with Waterfall, our best and brightest team is ready to assist you.

Fill out the form to acquire our free consultation service!