Spiral model
The Spiral model of software development is shown in fig. 2.2. The diagrammatic representation of this model appears like a spiral with many loops. The exact number of loops in the spiral is not fixed. Each loop of the spiral represents a phase of the software process. For example, the innermost loop might be concerned with feasibility study. The next loop with
- First quadrant (Objective Setting)
• During the first quadrant, it is needed to identify the objectives of the phase.
• Examine the risks associated with these objectives.
- Second Quadrant (Risk Assessment and Reduction)
• A detailed analysis is carried out for each identified project risk.
• Steps are taken to reduce the risks. For example, if there is a risk that the requirements are inappropriate, a prototype system may be developed.
- Third Quadrant (Development and Validation)
• Develop and validate the next level of the product after resolving the identified risks.
- Fourth Quadrant (Review and Planning)
• Review the results achieved so far with the customer and plan the next iteration around the spiral.
• Progressively more complete version of the software gets built with each iteration around the spiral.
Circumstances to use spiral model
The spiral model is called a meta model since it encompasses all other life cycle models. Risk handling is inherently built into this model. The spiral model is suitable for development of technically challenging software products that are prone to several kinds of risks. However, this model is much more complex than the other models – this is probably a factor deterring its use in ordinary projects.
Spiral model |life cycle model|software engineering