Software Development and Project Management
Which is a characteristic of the waterfall model of software development?
- APhases such as requirements definition, design, implementation and testing are carried out in order from upstream, and in principle the next phase starts only after the previous phase's deliverables are finalized
- BShort iterations are repeated, each producing working software and incorporating feedback from users
- CA prototype is built first and shown to users to confirm their requirements before full-scale development begins
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Phases such as requirements definition, design, implementation and testing are carried out in order from upstream, and in principle the next phase starts only after the previous phase's deliverables are finalized
The waterfall model is a development model in which phases proceed in the order requirements definition, design, programming and testing, like water flowing downhill. Because each phase's deliverables are finalized through reviews, it is easy to plan and to track progress, but an error in the requirements found in a later phase causes a lot of rework. It is used when requirements are clear and unlikely to change, or when the specification must be fixed early together with the hardware. Incorporating user feedback through iterations is a feature of iterative approaches such as agile development, and confirming requirements with a prototype is a feature of the prototyping model.
- A. Correct. The phases proceed in order, and each phase's deliverables are finalized before moving on.
- B. This is a feature of iterative and agile development. In the waterfall model the whole system is built in a single pass.
- C. This is a feature of the prototyping model, used to check with users early when requirements are vague.
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