Incremental build model

Incremental model

The incremental model applies the waterfall model incrementally.^[1]

The series of releases is referred to as “increments”, with each increment providing more functionality to the customers. After the first increment, a core product is delivered, which can already be used by the customer. Based on customer feedback, a plan is developed for the next increments, and modifications are made accordingly. This process continues, with increments being delivered until the complete product is delivered. The incremental philosophy is also used in the agile process model (see agile modeling).^[1]

The Incremental model can be applied to DevOps. In DevOps it centers around the idea of minimizing risk and cost of a DevOps adoption whilst building the necessary in-house skillset and momentum.^[2]

Characteristics of Incremental Model

1. System is broken down into many mini development projects.
2. Partial systems are built to produce the final system.
3. First tackled highest priority requirements.
4. The requirement of a portion is frozen once the incremented portion is developed.

Advantages^[3][4]

1. After each iteration, regression testing should be conducted. During this testing, faulty elements of the software can be quickly identified because few changes are made within any single iteration.
2. It is generally easier to test and debug than other methods of software development because relatively smaller changes are made during each iteration. This allows for more targeted and rigorous testing of each element within the overall product.
3. Customer can respond to features and review the product for any needed or useful changes.
4. Initial product delivery is faster and costs less.

Disadvantages^[5]

1. Resulting cost may exceed the cost of the organization.
2. As additional functionality is added to the product, problems may arise related to system architecture which were not evident in earlier prototypes

Tasks involved

Tasks In Incremental Model

These tasks are common to all the models^[1]

1. Communication: helps to understand the objective.
2. Planning: required as many people (software teams) work on the same project but different function at same time.
3. Modeling: involves business modeling, data modeling, and process modeling.
4. Construction: this involves the reuse software components and automatic code.
5. Deployment: integration of all the increments.

See also

• Iterative and incremental development
• Rapid application development
• Incremental approach

References

External links

• Methodology::Development Models
• Incremental lifecycle
• What is Incremental model - advantages, disadvantages and when to use it
• Incremental Model in Software Engineering