© 2013, IJARCSMS All Rights Reserved 64 | P age ISSN: 2321-7782 (Online) Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013 International Journal of Advance Research in Computer Science and Management Studies Research Paper Available online at: www.ijarcsms.com A Comparative Study of Different Software Development Life Cycle Models in Different Scenarios Apoorva Mishra 1 Deepty Dubey 2 Assistant Professor Computer Science & Engineering, C.S.I.T. Durg - India Assistant Professor Computer Science & Engineering, C.S.I.T. Durg - India Abstract: There are various SDLC models widely used for developing software. SDLC models give a theoretical guide line regarding development of the software. SDLC models are very important for developing the software in a systematic manner such that it will be delivered within the time deadline and should also have proper quality. Employing proper SDLC allows the project managers to regulate whole development strategy of the software. Each SDLC has its advantages and disadvantages according to which we decide which model should be implemented under which conditions. For this we need to compare SDLC models. In this paper we will compare different famous life cycle models like-waterfall model, prototype, rapid application development, V-shaped model, spiral model & incremental model. Keywords: Software Development Life Cycle, Activities involved in SDLC models, Comparative analysis of models I. INTRODUCTION Software development life cycle (SDLC) is a method by which the software can be developed in a systematic manner and which will increase the probability of completing the software project within the time deadline and maintaining the quality of the software product as per the standard. The System Development Life Cycle framework provides a sequence of activities for system designers and developers to follow for developing software. It is often considered as a subset of system development life cycle. Any software development process is divided into several logical stages that allow a software development company to organize its work efficiently in order to build a software product of the required functionality within a specific time frame and budget. All software projects go through the phases of requirements gathering, business analysis, system design, implementation, and quality assurance testing [1]. Employing any SDLC model is often a matter of personal choice entirely dependent on the developer. Each SDLC has its strengths and weaknesses, and each SDLC may provide better functionalities in one situation than in another. Then the challenge is to decide which model should be selected to provide a particular set of functionalities under certain circumstances. One life cycle model theoretically may suite particular conditions and at the same time other model may also look fitting into the requirements but one should consider trade-off while deciding which model to choose [2]. Rodriguez-Martinez et al. [3] focused on lifecycle frameworks models and detailed software development life cycles process and reported the results of a comparative study of Software development life cycles that permits a plausible explanation of their evolution in terms of common, distinctive, and unique elements as well as of the specification rigor and agility attributes. Jovanovich D. et al. [4] presented basic principles and comparison of software development models. Davis A.M. et al. [5] provided a framework that can serve as a basis for analyzing the similarities and differences among alternate life-cycle models as a tool for software engineering researchers to help describe the probable impacts of a life-cycle model and as a means to help software practitioners decide on an appropriate life-cycle model to utilize on a particular project or in a particular application area. A Software Development Life Cycle Model is a set of activities together with an ordering relationship between activities performed in a manner that satisfies the ordering relationship that will produce desired product. A software