The document compares various software development life cycle (SDLC) models, including the waterfall model, spiral model, prototype model, and iterative model. It discusses the advantages and limitations of each model. The waterfall model is simple and easy to understand but cannot accommodate changing requirements. The spiral model emphasizes risk analysis but can be costly. The prototype model involves user feedback early but risks wasted time if the prototype is rejected. The iterative model allows for changes between iterations but requires more management attention. In conclusion, the best model depends on the project's characteristics and needs.

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COMPARISON OF VARIOUS SDLC MODELS
1.Sadaf Ateeq 2. Mohammad suaib
1. Sadaf.ateeq1111@gmail.com M.TECH in dept of CSE from INTEGRAL UNIVERSITY
2. suaibcs09@gmail.com research guide in INTEGRAL UNIVERSITY
ABSTRACT:-
There are various SDLC(Software Development Life Cycle Models) having its own properties ,
advantage and limitation . SDLC models are very important for developing the software in
systematic and disciplined manner . SDLC model gives a theoretical guideline regarding
development of the software. The concept of System Life Cycle Model came into existence that
emphasized on the need to follow some structured approach towards building new or improved
system . According to requirement software industry people use different models to develop
different software . None of the model is capable to address the issues of client satisfaction . We
need to understand which SDLC would generate most successful result when employed .
Employing proper SDLC allows the project managers to regulate whole development strategy of
the software. For software development we need to compare the various models of SDLC .
Comparing SDLC model is such a difficult task as there is no mathematical theorem or physical
device available .
The essence of this paper is to analyze some methodologies that could result in successful
comparison of the SDLC models .
KEYWORDS :- SDLC , water fall model , spiral model , prototype model ,iterative model

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INTRODUCTION:- A Software consists of related documents , programs and procedure
that contain a collection that has been established to be a part of software engineering
procedures. Software development is a risky proposition. Many projects fail, at great
expense. The development methodologies described here represent ways to manage
that risk[1]. Moreover, the aim of software engineering is to create a suitable work that construct
project of high quality[2].To increase the effectiveness of any project various types of SDLC
models has been introduced like waterfall model , Prototype Model , Spiral Model etc. each
model has its own advantage and limitations.
Water fall model:- The Waterfall Model was first Process Model to be introduced. It is
also referred to as a linear-sequential life cycle model. each phase must be completed
before the next phase can begin and there is no overlapping in the phases.[3]
Fig1:- waterfall model

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Advantage :-
 Simple and easy to understand and use
 Easy to manage due to the rigidity of the model . each phase has specific
deliverables and a review process.
 Phases are processed and completed one at a time.
 Works well for smaller projects where requirements are very well understood.
 Clearly defined stages.
 Well understood milestones.
 Easy to arrange tasks.
 Process and results are well documented
Limitation:-
 No working software is produced until late during the life cycle.
 High amounts of risk and uncertainty.
 Not a good model for complex and object-oriented projects.
 Poor model for long and ongoing projects.
 Not suitable for the projects where requirements are at a moderate to high risk of
changing. So risk and uncertainty is high with this process model.
 It is difficult to measure progress within stages.
 Cannot accommodate changing requirements.
 No working software is produced until late in the life cycle.
 Adjusting scope during the life cycle can end a project.
Spiral model:- The spiral model is similar to the incremental model, with more emphases
placed on risk analysis. The spiral model has four phases: Planning, Risk Analys is, Engineering
and Evaluation[4]

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Fig 2:- spiral model
Advantage:-
 High amount of risk analysis hence, avoidance of Risk is enhanced.
 Good for large and mission-critical projects.
 Strong approval and documentation control.
 Additional Functionality can be added at a later date.
Limitation:-
 Can be a costly model to use.
 Risk analysis requires highly specific expertise.
 Project’s success is highly dependent on the risk analysis phase.
 Doesn’t work well for smaller projects.[ 3]

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prototype model: In this model prototype is built as per the client requirements. A
prototype model is not a standalone, complete development methodology, but rather an
approach to handle selected part of a larger, more traditional development methodology.
Fig3:- prototype model
Advantage:-
1) Users are actively involved in the development
2) When prototype Model is shown to the user, he gets a proper clarity about his requirements.
And feel the functionality of the software, so can suggest the changes and modifications.
3) It reduces risk of failure, as potential risks can be identified early and steps can be taken to
remove that risk.
4) The customer does not need to wait long for working software.
Disadvantages :-
1) Wastage of Time and money to build prototype, if client not satisfied.
2) Too many changes can disturb the rhythm of the developer team.
3) Long term procedure.
4) It follows the “Quick and dirty” approach- the prototype is through away after showing to the
client. [5]

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Iterative and incremental model :- In this model all the activities are repeatable.
Multiple activities run parallel. The phases of waterfall model are employed in such a manner
that the result of the increment is used back as the input for the next increment.
Advantages
1) After using first iteration model, user can give their suggestion and demand for change.
2) It is flexible to the customer's requirements and easy to manage model.
3) This model is used when requirements are clear to some extend but project scope requires
pure linear approach.
4) Testing and debugging during smaller iteration is easy.
Disadvantages
1) Each phase of an iteration is very rigid and do not overlap each other.
2) Mapping requirements to increments may not be easy so managing documents are very
difficult.
3) During development process changes are being done at first iteration. As if continuous to
change and it never finished.
4) More management attention is required due to frequently changes in requirements. [5]
Fig 4: iterative and increamental model

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Comparison of various SDLC Models
Features /models WATERFALL
MODEL
SPIRAL
MODEL
PROTOTYPE
MODEL
ITERATIVE
MODEL
Understanding
requirements/Requirement
specification
Beginneing Beginneing Not well
understood at
begineeing
Well
understood at
begineeing
Duration long long long Not very long
cost low expensive high medium
Cost control yes Almost yes no no
Documentation and
vital yes weak yes
training required
Guarentee of success less high good high
Initial product feel no no yes no
Client satisfaction low ------ high high
Risk involvement High Very low low medium
User invovement low high high high
flexibility Rigid flexible flexible Less flexible
Simplicity Simple Intermedite Simple Intermediate
Integrity and security Least High Weak Robust
Maintenance Least
glamorous
Typical
routine
maintenance
Routine
maintenance
Promoted
maintainability
Overlapping phases No
overlapping
Yes Yes No
Implementation Easy Complex Easy Easy
[5,6,7,8]

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REFERENCE:-
[1] Comparing Software Development Life Cycles by Jim Hurst
[2] Nabil Mohammed Ali Munassar1 and A. Govardhan2 “a comparison between five models
of SDLC models” IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 7, Issue 5,
September 2010.
[3] http://www.tutorialspoint.com/sdlc/sdlc_waterfall_model.htm
[4] http://istqbexamcertification.com
[5] Naresh Kumar, A. S. Zadgaonkar, Abhinav Shukla Evolving a New Software Development
Life Cycle Model SDLC-2013 with Client Satisfaction , International Journal of Soft Computing
and Engineering (IJSCE) ISSN: 2231-2307, Volume-3, Issue-1, March 2013.
[6] Apoorva Mishra and deepty dubey assistant professor “ A Comparative Study of Different
Software Development Life Cycle Models in Different Scenarios” International Journal of
Advance Research in Computer Science and Management Studies volume 1 ,Issue 5 ,
October 2013.
[7] seema , sona malhotra kurukshetra university, “analysis and tabular comparison of
popular SDLC models ” International journal of advances in computing and information
technology.
[8]radhika D almani saurashtra university gujrat comparison of different SDLC Models
international journal of computer application and information technology vol 2, issue 1 jan2013.

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