The V-Model is a software development life cycle (SDLC) model that provides a systematic and visual representation of the software development process. It is based on the idea of a “V” shape, with the two legs of the “V” representing the progression of the software development process from requirements gathering and analysis to design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. The V-Model is a linear and sequential model that consists of the following phases:
- Requirements gathering and analysis
- System design
- Architectural design
- Module design
- Implementation
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
The V-Model is an extension of the waterfall model and is based on the association of a testing phase for each corresponding development stage. This means that for every single phase in the development cycle, there is a directly associated testing phase. The V-Model emphasizes the importance of testing and quality assurance throughout the entire development process. Verification and Validation are the two main components of the V-Model. Verification involves a static analysis method (review) done without executing code, while validation involves dynamic analysis method (functional, non-functional), testing is done by executing code.
Advantages of the V-Model include:
- Provides a systematic and visual representation of the SDLC process in a sequential manner
- Emphasizes the importance of testing and quality assurance throughout the entire development process
- Ensures that all team members are working toward a shared understanding of the project’s goals and objectives
- Testing is integrated into every stage of the development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment
Disadvantages of the V-Model include:
- Not flexible to changes and just in case there is a requirement change, which is very common in today’s dynamic world, it becomes very expensive
- Testing can be time-consuming and expensive
- May not be suitable for small projects or projects with limited resources
In summary, the V-Model is a highly disciplined SDLC model that emphasizes the importance of testing and quality assurance throughout the entire development process. It is based on the idea of a “V” shape, with the two legs of the “V” representing the progression of the software development process from requirements gathering and analysis to design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. The V-Model is an extension of the waterfall model and is useful when working with larger teams where communication and coordination between developers and testers becomes challenging.
