Just like there are different ways to cook biryani (dum, pressure cooker, instant pot), there are different ways to build software. These are called SDLC models — basically, different styles or approaches to follow the software development life cycle.
Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Waterfall Model – The Classic
Think: One step at a time. Finish one, then move to the next.
🔹 You plan → design → build → test → launch → maintain — in a straight line.
🔹 Once you move to the next step, there’s no going back (or it’s really hard).
Best for: Projects with clear requirements and no expected changes.
Downside: Not flexible — if you forget something early on, you might be in trouble later.
2. Agile Model – The Flexible One
Think: Small pieces, quick feedback, constant improvement.
🔹 Work is broken into short cycles called sprints (usually 1–2 weeks).
🔹 You build a bit, test a bit, get feedback, and repeat.
🔹 Teams stay in touch constantly and adapt as things evolve.
Best for: Projects where requirements may change or grow over time.
Bonus: You get working features faster, and users stay involved throughout.
3. Iterative Model – Build, Improve, Repeat
Think: Version 1 → fix it → Version 2 → fix it more → and so on.
🔹 Start with a basic version (prototype).
🔹 Keep improving it based on feedback.
🔹 Repeat until it’s polished and complete.
Best for: Projects where the final version isn’t fully clear yet, but you need to start building.
4. V-Model (Verification & Validation) – Waterfall With Extra Testing
Think: Waterfall… but with a test for every step.
🔹 For every stage like design or development, there’s a matching test stage.
🔹 Emphasizes quality and early bug-catching.
Best for: Projects where reliability is super important — like medical or safety software.
5. Spiral Model – Risk-Aware Development
Think: Agile + Iterative + Risk Management = Spiral
🔹 Project moves in a spiral with repeating cycles: planning → building → testing → evaluating.
🔹 Risks and potential problems are identified and handled early.
Best for: Big, risky, complex projects where failure could be expensive.
6. Big Bang Model – Just Build It
Think: “Let’s start coding and see what happens.”
🔹 Minimal planning. Development starts immediately.
🔹 Great for small projects or proof-of-concepts, but risky if things go wrong.
Best for: Very small teams or experimental apps where there’s room to improvise.
💡 So, Which One’s the Best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all model — it depends on:
- How clear your requirements are
- How flexible the team and client can be
- Time and budget
- The size and complexity of the project
These days, Agile is the go-to model for most teams, especially in startups and modern tech companies. But others still have their place depending on the situation.
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