Spiral Model

Overview

The Spiral Model combines iterative development with systematic risk assessment, making it suitable for high-risk projects. It progresses through four main phases in a continuous loop.

Key Phases

1. Planning: Requirements are gathered, and objectives are defined.
2. Risk Analysis: Potential risks are identified and addressed.
3. Engineering: Software is developed and tested.
4. Evaluation: The current iteration is evaluated with feedback to plan the next cycle.

Benefits

• Risk Management: Proactive risk assessment reduces the likelihood of critical failures.
• Flexibility: Allows for iterative development, accommodating evolving requirements.
• Early Detection of Issues: Risks and issues are identified early, reducing the cost of changes.

Drawbacks

• Complex: The model is complex and requires careful management, which can increase costs.
• Resource Intensive: Risk assessment and multiple iterations can be time-consuming and expensive.
• Not Suitable for Small Projects: Often excessive for smaller, low-risk projects.

Suitable Use Cases

Well-suited for large, high-risk projects, such as those involving new technology or uncertain requirements.