What is Iterative Software Development ?

The iterative software development process was designed to cope with the flaw in the waterfall model. For those who aren’t aware, the waterfall model is a seven step sequential design process that simply allows a developer to run through the phases. The incremental development process has added various phases to the existing waterfall method to allow for a better model. As opposed to the waterfall model, the incremental development process begins with the initial planning, which then goes into the requirements stage. Depending on the framework, this revised model is a better alternative to existing ones.

With the waterfall method, there was no room for improvement during the process of building the software. However, with the incremental development model, a developer is now able to work in smaller increments, while still testing the software. This revised iterative softwaredevelopment process is what allows software developers to learn from testing the system. The testing phase for the waterfall model came near the end, and if there were errors in the design phase, it was too late to fix it. Once the design and implementation process is completed, the software is put into deployment mode. If the phase fails with errors, developers move back into the analysis phase.

By testing the software early on in the building process, errors and bugs could be fixed in a timely manner that does not require a lot of money. If deployment passes, the software is put into official testing and evaluation. There are gaps left in between each phase, which allows the developer to carry out tests at each step. For developers looking to save time and money along with production phase, it is best to follow the iterative software development method. More and more software developing companies are making use of this model, due to its notable advantages.

The Phases of SDLC (Systems development life-cycle)

In systems and software engineering, SDLC is the process in which one can change or create information systems along with the methods used when creating such systems. There are various methods that fall under the process of software development, and the software development life-cycle is a concept that forms the foundation for the creation of information systems. When system analysts begin the process of creating information systems, they will use the system development life-cycle. Information systems have become very complex in recent years, and to help cope with implementation process, several models have been created.

Examples of such SDLC models include spiral, incremental, agile software development, waterfall, rapid prototyping and synchronize and stabilizing. Each model has been designed to best fit a situation. There are models designed specifically for lightweight processes, while others focus on larger scale projects. A project could be referred under a project life cycle as well as a systems development life-cycle. These are regarded as two different concepts, as the project life cycle simply focuses on the tasks of the project. The software development life cycle is used to determine the requirements of the project on hand.

For a developer, the SDLC phases are regarded as a check list that they must go through. One of the oldest systems development life-cycle model in the book is the waterfall model, and like so, each stage is different in how it is implemented. The process begins with project planning, where the developers goal is identity the final goals for the project. The system analysis is the next step, where the analysts will consider the end-users requirements. The system design and implantation come next, as this is where the programming is done. The final phase for the software development includes integrating and testing the modules for bugs. Once everything has been accepted, it is put into the market.