Spiral Model in Software Engineering

The Spiral Model is one of the most important Software Development Life
Cycle models. The Spiral Model is a combination of the waterfall model and
the iterative model. This model helps in managing risks during software
development. The Spiral Model was introduced by Barry Boehm.
What is the Spiral Model?
The Spiral Model is a Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model that
provides a systematic and iterative approach to software development. In
its diagrammatic representation, it looks like a spiral with many loops. The
number of loops is not fixed and depends on the project. Each loop of the
spiral is called a phase of the software development process.
Some Key Points regarding the phase of a Spiral Model:
Project Manager’s Role: The number of phases (steps) needed to
develop the product can change based on project risks. The project
manager decides this.
Flexible Phases: The project manager plays an important role because
they decide how many phases are needed to complete the product.
Spiral Structure: The model works like a spiral, where each loop (iteration)
is a full cycle of software development. This includes: Gathering
requirements Designing
Building (implementing) Testing Maintenance
In short, the Spiral Model is flexible, risk-focused, and works in repeated
cycles to build and improve the product.
Phases of the Spiral Model
The Spiral Model is a risk-driven model. It focuses on managing risk
through multiple iterations of the software development process. Chat gpt:
The Spiral Model is used to manage risks. It does this by repeating the
software development process multiple times."
It consists of the following phases:
 1. Objectives Defined: In the first phase of the spiral model, we clarify
what the project aims to achieve, including functional and non-
functional requirements.
2. Risk Analysis: In this step, we find possible problems in the project,
check how serious they are, and think about how to solve them.
3. Engineering: In the engineering phase, the software is developed
based on the requirements gathered in the previous iteration.
4. Evaluation: In the evaluation phase, the software is evaluated to
determine if it meets the customer’s requirements and if it is of high
quality.
5. Planning: The next iteration of the spiral begins with a new planning
phase, based on the results of the evaluation. Based on the test
results, we make a new plan for the next round of improvements.
The Spiral Model is often used for complex and large software
development projects, as it allows for a more flexible and adaptable
approach to software development. It is also well-suited to projects with
significant uncertainty or high levels of risk.
Spiral Model Diagram
Each phase of the Spiral Model is divided into four quadrants as shown in
the figure. The functions of these four quadrants are:
1.Objectives determination and identifying alternative solutions: Set
Goals and Find Solutions: First, we collect requirements from customers
and decide what the project should achieve. Then, we think about different
possible solutions for this phase.
2.Identify and resolve risks: During the second quadrant, all the possible
solutions are evaluated to select the best possible solution. Then the risks
associated with that solution are identified and resolved using the best
possible strategy. At the end of this quadrant, the Prototype is built for the
best possible solution.
3.Develop the next version of the product: During the third quadrant, the
identified features are developed and verified through testing. At the end of
the third quadrant, the next version of the software is available.
4.Review and plan for the next phase: In the fourth quadrant, Customers
check the software to see if it meets their needs. Then, we start planning
for the next phase
Risk Handling in Spiral Model
A risk is any problem that could delay or affect a software project. The most
important part of the Spiral Model is handling these unknown problems
after the project begins. To solve these risks, we create a prototype (a
simple early version of the software) to test and fix issues.
1.The Spiral Model helps manage risks by allowing a prototype (a basic
version of the software) to be created at each phase of development.
2.The Prototyping Model also supports risk handling, but the risks must be
identified completely before the start of the development work of the
project.
3.But in real life, project risk may occur after the development work starts.
In that case, we cannot use the Prototyping Model.
4.In each phase of the Spiral Model, the product's features are updated
and reviewed. The risks are identified and solved by creating a prototype
(a simple working version).
5.Thus, this model is much more flexible compared to other SDLC models.
Why is the Spiral Model called a Meta Model?
The Spiral model is called a Meta-Model because it subsumes all the other
SDLC models. For example, a single loop spiral represents the Iterative
Waterfall Model.

The Spiral Model follows a step-by-step process like the Waterfall Model.

It also uses the Prototyping Model by creating a prototype at the start of

each phase to manage risks.
The Spiral Model supports the Evolutionary Model because the software is
developed in stages. Each loop of the spiral improves the system, adding
new features and making it better until the final version is complete.
Example of Spiral Model
Real-Life Example: Developing an E-Commerce Website
1.First Spiral – Planning and Requirements:
o Gathering basic requirements for the e-commerce website, like
product listing, shopping cart, and payment options.
o Analyzing risks, such as security or scalability, and creating a
small prototype.
o Example: The team builds a simple homepage with a basic
product catalog to see how users interact with it and identify
any design flaws.
2.Second Spiral – Risk Analysis and Refining the Design:

After getting feedback from the first version, the team adds more features
and fixes early problems. They focus on security risks, like safe payment
processing, and test if the website can handle more users.

Example: A shopping cart and user registration system are added. The
payment system is tested with fake transactions to check for security.

3.Third Spiral – Detailed Implementation:

Improve the Design: After getting more feedback, the team adds
new features like order tracking, customer reviews, and search
functionality.
 Check Scalability: The team tests if the website can handle many
users at once and makes improvements if needed.
 Example: The website now includes user profiles, product
reviews, and real-time inventory updates. The team tests how well
the system works when handling a large number of orders during
busy times.
 2. Final Spiral – Full Deployment:
Final Spiral – Launch and Maintenance:
 Full Launch: The website is fully developed, tested, and made
available to the public.
 Monitor and Fix Issues: The team keeps an eye on problems like
system crashes or user feedback and fixes them as needed.
 Example: The website is now live with all features, including secure
payments, product listings, and order tracking, ready for users to
shop online.
Advantages of the Spiral Model
1. Risk Handling: Best suited for projects with many unknown risks due
to risk analysis at every phase.
2. Good for large projects: Recommended for large and complex
projects.
3. Flexibility in Requirements: Change requests can be incorporated
accurately.
4.Customer Satisfaction: Customers can see the development at early
stages. They get used to the system before it is fully completed. This helps
them give feedback and feel more comfortable with the final product.
5.Iterative and Incremental Approach: The Spiral Model uses iterative
and incremental approach to software development, making it flexible and
adaptable. This allows changes and improvements to be made easily as
needed.
6.Emphasis on Risk Management: Helps minimize uncertainty and risks.
7. Improved Communication: The Spiral Model includes regular reviews
and feedback, helping the customer and development team stay connected
and understand each other better.
8.Improved Quality: Multiple iterations result in better software quality.
Disadvantages of the Spiral Model
 1. Complexity: More complex than other SDLC models.
2. Expensive: Not suitable for small projects due to high cost.
3. Dependability on Risk Analysis: Requires highly experienced
experts for success.
4. Difficulty in Time Management: Time estimation is difficult as the
number of phases is unknown.
5. Time-Consuming: Multiple evaluations and reviews make it time-
intensive.
6. Resource Intensive: Requires significant investment in planning and
risk analysis.
When to Use the Spiral Model?
When the project is large and complex.
When frequent releases are necessary.
When a prototype is required.
When evaluating risks and costs is very important.
When the project has some risks or big risks that need to be managed
carefully.
When the project requirements are unclear or complicated.
When modifications are possible at any time.
When a long-term project is not possible because business needs or
budgets keep changing.