Different Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models are suitable for specific project conditions, including organizational structure, requirements stability, risks, budget, and project duration. Theoretically, one life cycle model may seem ideal for a given scenario, but another model might also appear to fit the requirements. Therefore, trade-offs should be carefully considered when selecting a model. Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of various SDLC models:
Waterfall Model
Advantages
✔ Simple and easy to understand.
✔ Clearly defined stages with well-understood milestones.
✔ Tasks are easy to arrange.
✔ Well-documented processes and results.
✔ Easy to manage, as each phase has specific deliverables and reviews.
✔ Works well for projects with well-defined requirements.
✔ Suitable for projects where quality is more important than cost or schedule.
✔ Familiar to customers and end-users.
Disadvantages
✖ Difficult to measure progress within stages.
✖ Cannot accommodate changing requirements.
✖ No working software is produced until late in the life cycle.
✖ High risk and uncertainty.
✖ Scope adjustments during development can lead to project failure.
✖ Not suitable for complex or long-duration projects due to evolving requirements.
✖ Integration is performed as a "big bang" at the end, making it hard to detect technical or business issues early.
✖ Users can only assess quality at the final stage.
✖ Going back more than two phases is costly.
✖ Functionality completion percentage is hard to determine mid-project.
✖ High risk, as each process must be completed before the next starts.
Incremental Model
Advantages
✔ Some working functionality is delivered early.
✔ Results are obtained periodically.
✔ Allows for parallel development.
✔ Progress is measurable.
✔ Less costly to change scope or requirements.
✔ Easier to test and debug during smaller iterations.
✔ Risks are identified and resolved in each iteration.
✔ High-risk components can be developed first.
✔ Each increment delivers an operational product.
✔ Lessons learned from each increment can be applied to future ones.
Disadvantages
✖ May require more resources.
✖ Although changes are easier, it is not ideal for frequently changing requirements.
✖ Requires more management oversight.
✖ Each iteration phase is rigid with no overlaps.
✖ System architecture issues may arise, as not all requirements are gathered upfront.
✖ Does not allow iterations within an increment.
✖ Defining increments may require a complete system definition.
Evolutionary Model
Advantages
✔ Better risk analysis.
✔ Supports changing requirements.
✔ Shorter initial operating time.
✔ Well-suited for large and mission-critical projects.
✔ Delivers early software versions, facilitating customer evaluation and feedback.
Disadvantages
✖ Not suitable for smaller projects.
✖ Higher management complexity.
✖ Project completion timeline may be uncertain.
✖ Can be costly to implement.
✖ Requires highly skilled resources for risk analysis.
✖ Project progress depends heavily on risk assessment.
Spiral Model
Advantages
✔ Accommodates changing requirements.
✔ Extensively uses prototypes.
✔ Captures requirements more accurately.
✔ Allows users to see the system early.
✔ Supports risk management by addressing high-risk components first.
Disadvantages
✖ More complex to manage.
✖ Project completion timeline may be uncertain.
✖ Not suitable for small or low-risk projects (costly for smaller projects).
✖ Process is complex and iterative.
✖ Spiral cycles can continue indefinitely if not properly managed.
✖ Excessive documentation due to multiple intermediate stages.
RAD (Rapid Application Development) Model
Advantages
✔ Faster delivery times.
✔ Can accommodate changing requirements.
✔ Progress is easily measurable.
✔ Shorter cycle time with powerful RAD tools.
✔ Higher productivity with fewer people in a shorter time.
✔ Utilizes reusable tools and frameworks.
Disadvantages
✖ More complex to manage.
✖ May require more resources.
✖ Suitable only for component-based and scalable systems.
✖ Requires well-defined requirements.
✖ Needs continuous user involvement.
✖ Best suited for projects with shorter development timelines.
Extreme Programming (XP) / Agile Development
Advantages
✔ Encourages teamwork and cross-training.
✔ Delivers functional software rapidly.
✔ Requires minimal resources.
✔ Works well with both fixed and changing requirements.
✔ Provides early, partial working solutions.
✔ Suitable for dynamic environments with frequent changes.
✔ Minimal documentation requirements.
✔ Enables concurrent development and delivery.
Disadvantages
✖ Not ideal for handling complex dependencies.
✖ Higher risk in terms of maintainability and scalability.
✖ Requires strong leadership, planning, and Agile PM practices.
✖ Strict delivery schedules can limit flexibility in scope and functionality.
Final Thoughts
Each SDLC model has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right model depends on the project’s size, complexity, timeline, and changing requirements. Organizations must carefully assess trade-offs between risk, cost, and flexibility before committing to a particular development approach.
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