Incremental Model in SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) | Software Engineering – ComputeNepal

Greeting Readers, in this article we will discuss the incremental model in SDLC (System Development Life Cycle). We’ve already created different articles regarding the spiral models and other different types of topics regarding SDLC. So, if you want to know about those, you can check them out. We will discuss this topic in very simple language that anyone can understand easily.

First of all, we have to know what is the meaning of incremental in regards to this topic. So, what it means is that we carry out the development of the system module by module. That means, instead of developing the whole system at a time, we develop one module first and then we develop another module that is incremental. What this means is that we add different modules in the previous module so, that we can progress towards the completion of the project. Let’s consider a real-life example, in HMS (Hotel Management System) we can have different modules for registration of customers, different modules for room management, different modules for cooking staff, different modules for quality control, etc. and then we interlink all those modules to create a single unit i.e. Hotel Management System. Also to consider, this model is used mainly used for large projects, so that we can create a good system/ software.

In this model, first of all, we note down all the requirements of our client and divide these different requirements into small blocks so that to create different modules as per the requirement. After the requirement phase completes, we then move to the Build 1 phase i.e. development of module number 1. After the completion of Build 1, we move over to Build 2, and then it goes up to n-number of Builds as per the requirement. Also to consider, in every build we, first of all, go for the design and development of the module and then go for testing the module then finally go for the implementation of the module.

As we work, module by module in the incremental model, development is comparatively easier, and also the chances of errors are also low. Also in this incremental model, customer interaction is the maximum. How is the customer interaction maximum? Let me explain. First of all, we provide module 1 to the customer then the customer uses it, so s/he can get to know what kind of changes s/he wants in the next module and also in the current module. Also, since the customer interaction is maximum the chances of errors are maximum. Another advantage that we can get is that, if we have to develop the whole software at once, then the cost also increases, meanwhile if we develop the system module by module then we can minimize the cost at the same time and also the manpower required as we develop module by module. It is also beneficial for early release product demand. So, what we are doing in this model is that we can release some early modules on-demand as early as possible and keep on adding more modules from time to time through updates in the system. Also, as we develop the system module to module, then it is absolute that it is flexible to changes.