The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the process of developing custom software with the goal of providing the highest quality and lowest cost software available.
Popular SDLC models include the waterfall model, spiral model, and Agile model. Fortunately, deciphering SDLC models aren’t quite as difficult as other tech jargon. Each model expresses the overall emphasis of the respective model.
Waterfall Model
The waterfall model gained its namesake due to the strict structure that requires that everything flow in one direction from start to finish. There is no flexibility available as with the other popular models discussed here. You’ll often find the waterfall model being applied in corporate settings where projects naturally have a very long life-cycle due to the structure of the organization. The phases of the waterfall model include conception, initiation, analysis, design, construction, testing, deployment and maintenance. This model is one of the oldest ones available and became prevalent due to no other alternatives available when it was introduced into software development. As time has progressed, newer models, which are more widely adopted, have been introduced.
Spiral Model
The spiral model uses a risk-based approach that operates in iterative cycles. The spiral model has four phases: Planning, Risk Analysis, Engineering and Evaluation. A software project using this model cycles through all four phases in iterations, a.k.a spirals. During each cycle, the focus is placed on the risk analysis phase, hence why this is referred to as a risk-based approach model. While this model may seem like a great choice, it is often reserved for large-scale projects due to the untimely execution and associative higher costs for implementation.
Agile Model
This model is perhaps our favorite model of the SDLC. The agile model is There is even an unofficial, official manifesto that has been created for adopters of the Agile model known as the Agile Manifesto. This model provides the most opportunity for a collaborative approach that helps to ensure that the final solution aligns with the client’s vision.
Which One Should We Choose?
Each SDLC model has its advantages and disadvantages as outlined above. We typically employ the Agile model as we have learned that this model tends to lead to more success than the others. We’d be happy to review which one may be right for your project.