What Are the Phases of the Spiral Model?
The Spiral Model is a risk-driven model, meaning that the focus is on managing risk through multiple iterations of the software development process. It consists of the following phases:
- Planning: The first phase of the Spiral Model is the planning phase, where the scope of the project is determined and a plan is created for the next iteration of the spiral.
- Risk Analysis: In the risk analysis phase, the risks associated with the project are identified and evaluated.
- Engineering: In the engineering phase, the software is developed based on the requirements gathered in the previous iteration.
- Evaluation: In the evaluation phase, the software is evaluated to determine if it meets the customerâs requirements and if it is of high quality.
- Planning: The next iteration of the spiral begins with a new planning phase, based on the results of the evaluation.
The Spiral Model is often used for complex and large software development projects, as it allows for a more flexible and adaptable approach to software development. It is also well-suited to projects with significant uncertainty or high levels of risk.
The Radius of the spiral at any point represents the expenses (cost) of the project so far, and the angular dimension represents the progress made so far in the current phase.
Spiral Model
Each phase of the Spiral Model is divided into four quadrants as shown in the above figure. The functions of these four quadrants are discussed below:
- Objectives determination and identify alternative solutions: Requirements are gathered from the customers and the objectives are identified, elaborated, and analyzed at the start of every phase. Then alternative solutions possible for the phase are proposed in this quadrant.
- Identify and resolve Risks: During the second quadrant, all the possible solutions are evaluated to select the best possible solution. Then the risks associated with that solution are identified and the risks are resolved using the best possible strategy. At the end of this quadrant, the Prototype is built for the best possible solution.
- Develop the next version of the Product: During the third quadrant, the identified features are developed and verified through testing. At the end of the third quadrant, the next version of the software is available.
- Review and plan for the next Phase: In the fourth quadrant, the Customers evaluate the so-far developed version of the software. In the end, planning for the next phase is started.
What is Spiral Model in Software Engineering?
The Spiral Model is one of the most important Software Development Life Cycle models. The Spiral Model is a combination of the waterfall model and the iterative model. It provides support for Risk Handling. The Spiral Model was first proposed by Barry Boehm. This article focuses on discussing the Spiral Model in detail.
Table of Content
- What is the Spiral Model?
- What Are the Phases of Spiral Model?
- Risk Handling in Spiral Model
- Why Spiral Model is called Meta Model?
- Advantages of the Spiral Model
- Disadvantages of the Spiral Model
- When To Use the Spiral Model?
- Conclusion
- Questions For Practice
- Frequently Asked Questions related to Spiral Model â Software Engineering
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