Miral D. Dave,
Parvin Bloch,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Noble University, Gujarat, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Noble University, Gujarat, India
Abstract
Choosing the right software development life cycle (SDLC) model plays a vital role in determining the overall success of a software development project, as it directly affects the planning, execution, quality, and timely delivery of the final product. Different software engineering models provide structured approaches for planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software systems, with each model offering distinct advantages depending on project characteristics. This study presents a comparative evaluation of five widely used software engineering models: Waterfall, V-model, incremental, Spiral, and Agile. The comparison is conducted using key evaluation criteria, including development methodology, requirement flexibility, stakeholder participation, risk management, testing strategy, documentation, development cost, delivery time, and suitability for various project environments. The study reviews the strengths, limitations, and practical applications of each model by synthesizing findings from existing literature and established software engineering practices. Traditional approaches such as the Waterfall and V-Model are shown to be effective for projects with stable and well-defined requirements, where structured planning and comprehensive documentation are essential. In contrast, incremental, Spiral, and Agile models provide greater flexibility, support continuous improvement, encourage customer collaboration, and adapt more effectively to changing requirements, making them suitable for dynamic and complex software projects. The comparative analysis demonstrates that no single SDLC model is universally applicable to every software development scenario. Instead, the selection of an appropriate model should be based on factors such as project size, complexity, risk level, regulatory requirements, customer involvement, and requirement stability. The findings highlight that Agile and other iterative development approaches have become increasingly popular because of their adaptability, rapid delivery cycles, and emphasis on continuous customer feedback. This study provides practical guidance for software engineers, project managers, researchers, and organizations in selecting the most suitable software development model to improve software quality, project efficiency, and overall project success.
Keywords: Software development life cycle (SDLC), software engineering, Waterfall Model, V-model, incremental model, Spiral model, Agile methodology, comparative analysis, software process models, project management
[This article belongs to Journal of Software Engineering Tools & Technology Trends ]
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Journal of Software Engineering Tools & Technology Trends
| Volume | 13 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 14/03/2026 | |
| Accepted | 10/07/2026 | |
| Published | 05/09/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 175 Days |