Spiral Model In Software Development

What Is A Spiral Model?

The spiral model is a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) paradigm. It combines parts of the waterfall and the iterative development process model. Experts recommend this type for expensive, large, and complicated applications.

Why is Spiral Model Called Meta Model?

The Spiral Model is also Meta Model because it includes other SDLC models. An example of an Iterative Waterfall Model is a one-loop spiral. The spiral model builds the serial approach of the waterfall model. The spiral model phases use the Prototyping Model to deal with unique risk patterns. The beginning of each step also has a prototype building. Also, the spiral SDLC model supports the progressive model. This is because each spiral turn is a level of progress where it’s making the whole system.

Uses Of The Spiral Model

Many software businesses use the Spiral Model. They use it because it fits in the development phase of any product. They are compatible in the sense that they both change as they age. In the same way, they become less risky for both the client and the development company.

The following standards explain how to use the Spiral Model:

• When there aren’t many resources and risk evaluation is essential.
• For moderate to high-risk projects.
• The use of the spiral model may need a long-term project commitment.
• Most of the time, the client doesn’t know what they need.
• Business requirements are so demanding that you must check them to understand them.
• It is spreading out of the release of a new product line over time to get customer feedback.
• Beneficial significant changes are likely to happen during the development of the product.

Benefits Of The Spiral Model

The spiral model is the best way to do extensive and complex projects when making software. The incremental method lets developers work on one thing. As a result, they don’t miss anything. You can still make detailed project cost estimates while building the prototype. Here are some of the most common rewards for using the spiral process model.

Risk management

The spiral model in the software development process is the best way to build software. This is especially true when many unknown or unexpected risks arise. It’s because the evaluation and risk handling are present at each step.

Excellent for massive projects

The spiral model for the software development process works well for complicated projects.

Adaptability in demands

A developer may need to change something later in the development of the software. The spiral approach can offer a tremendous amount of help.

Customer satisfaction

The customers can see the progress during the early stages of the development of the software. This allows them to give customer feedback early in the software development process. They can also use the system to get used to it before the final product is ready.

Spiral Model Phases

The Spiral Model has four crucial SDLC phases. The whole software project repeatedly passes these spiral model phases. The following are the four main current phases of the spiral model:

Planning – It includes figuring out the next iteration’s cost, time management, and resources. It also requires knowing the system requirements so that the client and system analyst can stay in touch.

Risk Analysis – When looking for possible unknown risks, it’s vital to make and finish a risk mitigation strategy to identify alternative solutions to resolve risks if something goes wrong.

Engineering – Software engineering includes testing, making, and installing software at the client’s location.

Evaluation – The client’s program evaluation searches and keeps an eye on risks, such as cost overruns and missed deadlines.

Advantages Of Spiral Model

There are great things about each type of software development model. Here are a few advantages of the spiral model.

• Continuous risk analysis lessens the possibility of a software project failing. It is suitable for expensive and large projects.
• Developers may need to change the software during the last phases of the project. This will help them add more features to the project when they finish it.
• Developers create the software at the beginning of the development process. It means that there is always something to show for the work.
• The spiral model stays in touch with the customer. At each step in the process, the client could see what was happening. Then, give feedback on what the prototype needed.
• The spiral method is easy to change.
• Software developers look at and assess every step in the spiral. This makes the spiral approach have higher clarity.
• Close supervision and thorough documentation.

Disadvantages Of Spiral Model

• Despite its reputation as one of the best, the spiral model phases also have some drawbacks. Using this strategy in app development could have the following disadvantages.
• The process is more complicated than other approaches, such as the waterfall model. The spiral model requires more to complete.
• A practical working model must include a risk analysis stage. Once there is an improper risk assessment, it will affect the next iteration. It could result in costly time loss.
• Many intermediate phases need comprehensive and extensive documentation.
• Due to the unknown number of subsequent spirals, the software may need to transit. It isn’t easy to give a successful completion date for the project. Because of it, it could make it more expensive.

Limitations Of The Spiral Model

Pretty Expensive

Due to its high cost, the spiral model seems unsuitable for small projects.

Depending on The Risk Assessment

The successful execution and completion of the project depend on sound risk management. Thus, the staff needs to be competent in risk analysis.

Complex

The spiral model is quite intricate compared to other SDLC alternatives. For the effective functioning of the model, developers must adhere to procedures. Also, there is extra documentation since the spiral model includes intermediate stages.

Challenging Time Management

Usually, the number of essential stages is unclear at the outset of a project. This results in difficulties in managing time. So, there’s always the possibility of running behind time or overspending. Now, you have learned about the Spiral model. The next step is hiring qualified software developers. If you need software development services, get in touch with BIT Studios today! We will help you find competent software engineers and developers. We look forward to hearing from you!