What is Process Modelling in Software Development? 2022

 

The software processes comprise the steps implemented and tested for a software system. Software development is complex and requires many more things than technical skills. This is where software process models can be useful. Software process models are abstractly representing the entire development cycle. This article will present the most popular seven models of software processes and explain when you should use them.

What's a model of a software process?

A software process model can be described as an abstract of the development process for the software. The models define the phases and the order in which a procedure is performed. Think of it as an image of the sequence of activities in the process and the sequence in which they take place.

A model is a term used to describe the following:

• The duties to be accomplish
• The output and input of each task
• The pre - and post-conditions for each task.
• The sequence of the flow of each task

A processes model aims to give direction to manage and coordinate processes to accomplish the final goal as efficiently as it is feasible.

There are a variety of process models that meet diverse demands. They refer to models as SDLC models (Software Development Life Cycle models). The most popular and crucial SDLC models.

Aspects to Consider When Selecting the Software Process:

The suitable software model for your project could be challenging. If you are aware of your needs thoroughly, it is simpler to choose the most appropriate model for your requirements. 

Project specifications:

Before you decide on an option, take the time to review the project's requirements and define them in light of your organization's team's expectations. Do you think the user will need to detail requirements following each iterative meeting? Do the requirements change throughout the process of development?

Size of the project:

Think about the size of the project that you'll take on. More significant projects will require bigger teams, which means you'll need a more detailed and extensive management plan for your project.

The complexity of the project:

Complex projects might have unclear requirements. The requirements can change frequently, and the price of delays is significant. Consider whether the project demands constant monitoring or input by the customer.

Delay cost:

Is the project time-bound, with a high cost of delays, or is the timeframe adjustable?

Customer involvement:

Do you have to consult your customers during the process? Should the customer be involved in every step?

Familiarity with technology:

It is a matter of the developer's experience and expertise in the domain of the project software tools, languages, and techniques required to develop.

Resources for the project:

This consists of the quantity and available funds, staff, and other resources.

Scalability & System Design for Developers:

Learn to make better architectural and design choices to build systems that can scale.

Types of process models used in software:

As we have mentioned earlier, there are a variety of models for software processes that meet various specifications. Here, we'll review the top seven kinds of software process models you need to know.

Waterfall Model:

It is a sequential process driven by a plan. You must plan and schedule all of your tasks before starting the project. Each step of this model can be portrayed as a separate stage arranged in linear order.

It includes the following sections:

• Requirements
• Design
• Implementation
• Testing
• Deployment
• Maintenance

Each of these phases creates several documents that must be approved before the next stage begins. In reality, these phases are likely to overlap and could provide information to each other.

The software process isn't linear; consequently, the documents created could require modification to reflect the changes.

This model of waterfalls is simple to comprehend and follow. It doesn't need a lot of input from customers once the specification has been completed. Because it's not flexible and inflexible, it can't adapt to changes. It's impossible to try or test it until the final stage.

The waterfall model is a highly rigid structure. 

V Model:

Model V (Verification and Validation Model) extends the waterfall model. The requirements are all gathered in the beginning and can't be altered. There is a specific testing task for each phase. In each phase of the development process, there is a testing phase.

The test phase of the development is planned simultaneously, which you see in the above diagram.

It is extremely organized, simple to comprehend, and makes project management more efficient. It's not the best choice for projects that are complex or that aren't clear or have evolving demands. This means that the V model an excellent option for software in situations where delays and failures are not acceptable.

Incremental Model:

The incremental model breaks down the system's functions into smaller increments that are implementing one by one quickly. The most crucial features are implemented during the first increments.

The next increments build on the previous ones until all have been revised and implemented.

Incremental development involves developing an initial application, making it available to feedback from users, and then enhancing it with different versions. 

Each iteration goes through the design, requirements, and testing stages.

The incremental model lets developers and stakeholders get results after the first step. If the stakeholders don't agree with something, everyone will find out more quickly. It's efficient because the developers focus only on what's important, and issues are address as they occur. However, it is essential to have an exact and comprehensive description of the system in general before beginning.

This model works perfectly for projects with loosely coupled components and for projects that have complete and precise specifications.

Iterative Model:

The iterative development model creates the system by building smaller sections of all features. This helps achieve an initial goal quickly and then release it to receive feedback.

In the iterative model, you begin by implementing a minimal list of software specifications. Then, they are improved over time in evolving versions until the entire system is in place. The process begins with the initial software that is later installed and then reviewed to determine other requirements.

Like the incremental model, the iterative model permits you to observe the outcomes at the beginning of development. This can also make it easier for managers to handle risk and manage change requirements.

The budget and deadlines can be altered throughout the process of development, in particular for big complex projects. Iterative models are an ideal option for large-scale software easily broken down into smaller modules.

RAD Model:

The Rapid Application Development (RAD model) is founded on iterative design and prototyping, requiring no planning. The development of functional modules is done in parallel to speed up the production of your product. 

It involves the following steps:

1. Business modelling
2. Data modelling
3. Process modelling
4. Application generation
5. Testing and turnover

The RAD concept comprises gathering requirements via workshops and focus groups and reusing software components and informal communications.

The RAD model is flexible to changing demands, reduces the time to develop, and enhances the reusability of components. But it isn't easy to manage. This is why this RAD model is perfect for systems that must be built in a very quick time frame and with available specifications.

Agile model:

The agile model of development encourages continual iterations of testing and development. Each step is creating through iterations. Every subsequent iteration has been designed to remain smaller and manageable to be completed in weeks.

Each iteration focuses on the implementation of the feature. It includes clients in developing and reduces documentation through informal communication.

Agile development is based on the following aspects:

• Requirements assume to be subject to change
• The system is developed over several iterations
• Customers participate throughout every iteration
• Documentation is only completed in cases of need

Although agile is a real-world approach to software development, it's not the best choice for big projects. There are also difficulties during transfers because there's very little documentation. Agile is ideal for projects with constantly shifting needs.

A few commonly-used agile methods are:

1. Scrum is one of the most widely used agile methods. Scrum consists of iterations known as sprints. Each sprint lasts between 2 and four weeks and is preceded by planning. There is no way to alter the plan once the sprint activities are defined.
2. Extreme programming (XP) The concept behind Extreme Programming is an iteration that could take 1 to 2 weeks. XP employs pairing programming, continual integration, testing-driven design, testing automation, small releases, and basic software design.
3. Kanban: Kanban focuses on visualization, and when iterations are employed, they are kept short. It is used to create a Kanban Board that has an easy-to-read representation of the project's tasks and their associated numbers, the responsible individuals, and the progress.