Software development models provide ways and means to achieve goals when building a software project. At the same time, you will get clear directions and methods to develop a particular software product as well as solutions when there is a problem with that software. Spiral model in software engineering is considered one of the outstanding models with a practical approach – find out in the article below.
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What is spiral model in software engineering? 
Spiral model software development is a combination between the waterfall model and iterative model, which has many similarities with incremental model. In other words, it is a model that incorporates the iterative aspect of prototyping with the controlled and systematic features of the linear sequential model. It emphasizes project risk analysis and implements the ability for quick creation of new software versions. The program is created through a series of incremental releases using the spiral methodology. The additional release during the initial rounds could be a paper model or prototype. Later, iterations result in ever-more-complete versions of the engineered system.
Spiral model in software development life cycle is divided into four phases. Each phase begins with the design requirement/goal and ends with the customer checking.
4 Phases of spiral model in software engineering
According to the above diagram, the four quadrants represent each phase of the spiral model. The following section discusses the roles of these 4 phases of spiral model in software engineering.
- Objective setting: The aim of each cycle in the spiral, the potential alternatives for attaining the goals, and any constraints are all identified at the beginning of the cycle. Each phase begins with the gathering of requirements from the clients and the identification, elaboration, and analysis of the objectives. Then, in this quadrant, other solutions which could be possible for the phase are offered.
- Risk Assessment and reduction: All potential solutions are assessed in the second quadrant in order to choose the best one. The risks connected to that solution are then determined, and the best method for addressing those risks is selected. The Prototype is constructed for the ideal scenario at the end of this quadrant.
- Development and validation: The next step in spiral process model in software engineering is creating strategies to deal with risks and uncertainty. Activities like benchmarking, simulation, and prototyping may be a part of this process. The discovered features are developed and tested in the third quadrant to confirm their validity. The following iteration of the software is accessible at the end of this quadrant.
- Planning: Finally, the following move is planned. A decision is made regarding whether to move forward with a subsequent spiral phase after reviewing the project. Plans are created for the next phase if it is decided to keep it.
The spiral model can accept any combination of specification-oriented, prototype-oriented, simulation-oriented, or other types of approaches thanks to its risk-driven characteristic. Each spiral phase is concluded with a review that covers all the goods created during that cycle, including plans for the following cycle. This review is a crucial component of the concept. Spiral software development is effective for both development and improvement projects.
Spiral model software development: Pros and Cons
Now, let’s learn more about spiral model in software engineering advantages and disadvantages
1. Advantages of spiral model in software engineering:
- A high amount of risk analysis which helps risk avoidance is enhanced.
- Estimating costs is as easy as completing a prototype in a small fragment.
- Good application for large and important projects.
- Strict document control and approval.
- Additional functionality or changes can be added at a later stage.
- Software will be produced early in the life of the software.
- Applications are developed rapidly and features are added systematically.
- There are always chances for customers to give feedback on the product.
2. Disadvantages of spiral model in software engineering:
- In risk handling, at the analysis stage, a highly qualified specialist is needed to perform the analysis.
- Not useful for small-scale projects.
- The project time and cost can be limitless because of the spiral nature of the model.
- The project documentation can be very long because of the intermediate stages.
- The risk may not meet the schedule or budget.
- The success of the project depends heavily on the risk analysis phase.
When should we use spiral software development?
- When frequent deliverance is necessary.
- Whenever the demands are murky and complicated
- When modifications can be necessary at any time
- Large-scale, expensive initiatives
How to handle risk in Spiral Model?
Any unfavorable circumstance that could prevent a software project from being successfully completed is a risk. The spiral model’s handling of these unforeseen hazards once the project has begun is its key component. By creating a prototype, such risk remedies can be accomplished more easily. The spiral model in software engineering helps with risk management by allowing for the creation of prototypes at each stage of software development.
The Spiral Model is the best software development model to use in projects with a lot of unknown risks that emerge as the development process moves forward because it incorporates risk analysis and risk management at every stage. The spiral process model in software engineering involves the analysis and characterization of the product’s attributes as well as the identification and resolution of relevant hazards through prototyping. In comparison to other SDLC models, this model is considerably more adaptable.
Conclusion
In short, all detailed information above explains spiral model in software engineering. Spiral model is simply understood as a usage model that maintains a systematic approach and combines an iterative framework which is more reflective to the real world. It also uses prototyping as a risk reduction mechanism and allows prototypes to be developed at any stage of the development process. If the spiral model in software engineering is used correctly, this model can really become a powerful assistant in software development cycles.
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