Software Development Models Flashcards
What is the Waterfall Model?
The Waterfall model is a linear and sequential software development methodology where each phase must be completed before the next begins.
What are the advantages of the Waterfall Model?
- Simple and easy to understand. 2. Clear structure with well-defined stages. 3. Easy to manage progress due to strict phase order.
What are the disadvantages of the Waterfall Model?
- Inflexible to changes once development begins. 2. Not suitable for complex or evolving projects. 3. Testing is delayed until later phases.
What is the Agile Model?
The Agile model is an iterative and incremental software development approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and delivering small, functional parts of software frequently.
What are the advantages of the Agile Model?
- Highly flexible and adaptable to changes. 2. Continuous feedback improves product quality. 3. Encourages collaboration between teams and stakeholders.
What are the disadvantages of the Agile Model?
- Requires high levels of collaboration and communication. 2. Less predictable timelines and costs. 3. May lack structure in larger teams.
What is the Spiral Model?
The Spiral model combines iterative development with risk management by building software in a series of loops or spirals, focusing on early identification of risks.
What are the advantages of the Spiral Model?
- Strong focus on risk analysis and management. 2. Allows for iterative refinement of requirements. 3. Suitable for large and complex projects.
What are the disadvantages of the Spiral Model?
- Can be expensive due to repeated phases. 2. Requires expert knowledge in risk assessment. 3. May be difficult to manage for smaller projects.
What is the V-Model?
The V-Model (Verification and Validation Model) is a software development approach where every development stage is paired with a corresponding testing phase.
What are the advantages of the V-Model?
- Testing is integrated early in the lifecycle. 2. Clear, well-defined structure. 3. Ensures quality and defect prevention.
What are the disadvantages of the V-Model?
- Inflexible to changes during development. 2. High dependency on early requirements. 3. Not suitable for projects with evolving requirements.
What is the Prototype Model?
The Prototype model involves building a working prototype of the software to understand requirements better and gather feedback from users.
What are the advantages of the Prototype Model?
- Helps clarify requirements through user feedback. 2. Reduces misunderstandings between developers and stakeholders. 3. Identifies potential issues early.
What are the disadvantages of the Prototype Model?
- Prototyping can be time-consuming. 2. May lead to incomplete or poorly documented systems. 3. Users may mistake the prototype for the final product.
What is the Incremental Model?
The Incremental model divides the development process into small, manageable increments, where each increment delivers a functional part of the software.
What are the advantages of the Incremental Model?
- Delivers working software quickly. 2. Easier to manage due to smaller, phased deliverables. 3. Adapts to changing requirements in later increments.
What are the disadvantages of the Incremental Model?
- Requires careful planning and design. 2. Dependencies between increments can complicate development. 3. May lead to inconsistent architecture if not managed well.
What is the RAD Model?
The Rapid Application Development (RAD) model emphasizes rapid prototyping and iterative delivery with minimal planning.
What are the advantages of the RAD Model?
- Reduces development time significantly. 2. Encourages user involvement and feedback. 3. Suitable for small to medium projects with well-defined requirements.
What are the disadvantages of the RAD Model?
- Not suitable for large, complex systems. 2. Requires highly skilled developers and designers. 3. May compromise quality for speed.
How do the Waterfall and Agile models compare?
Waterfall is linear and sequential, suitable for projects with fixed requirements. Agile is iterative and flexible, ideal for projects with evolving needs. Waterfall emphasizes documentation and phase completion, while Agile focuses on collaboration and frequent deliveries.
Why is choosing the right software development model important?
Selecting the right model ensures the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets user requirements effectively.
What are the software development models included?
Waterfall Model, Agile Model, Spiral Model, V-Model, Prototype Model, Incremental Model, and RAD Model.
