System Development Methodology

System Development Model

A system development model or methodology is a framework used to structure, plan and control the information development process.

Linear Sequential Model

The linear sequential model is designed for straight line development.  This is also called as “water fall model” or the “classic life cycle”.  This model assumes that a complete system will be delivered after the linear sequence is completed. 

Software Life Cycle

It suggests a systematic, sequential approach to software development that begins at the system level and progresses through analysis, design, coding, testing and maintenance.  This model represents the software life cycle using processes and products.  Each process transforms a product to produce a new product as output.  Then the new product becomes the input of the next process. 

Waterfall model

The Waterfall model derives its name due to the cascading effect from one phase to the other.  In this model each phase well defined starting and ending point, with identifiable deliveries to the next phase.

• System / Information Engineering,


• Analysis,


• Design,


• Coding,


• Testing,


• Maintenance (after delivered and used)

Advantages of Waterfall model

• Testing is inherent to every phase of the waterfall model,


• Enforced disciplined approach,


• Documentation driven, that is, documentation isproduced at every stage,


• Feedback loops allow for corrections to be incorporated into the model.