Prototype Model
- It is a trial version of the software.
- The Prototyping Model should be used when the requirements of the product are not clearly understood or are unstable.
- Flow like:
1. We will take basic requirements / Initial requirements
2. Based on judgment, we will create an initial prototype (Prototype – is a working model)
3. Once the working prototype is built, we will ask the client to check
4. Next step will be to test and enhance/revise
5. Again, we will call the user to check and use it, and again we will make changes as per the user’s feedback until we get all the requirements from the user.
6. Once, all requirements are fulfilled and the client will agree, the SRS document is made, and then only the SDLC process will start.
- The prototype is usually not a complete system and many of the details are not built into the prototype. The goal is to provide a system with overall functionality.
- Example-Online system
Advantages and Disadvantages of Prototype Model
Advantages of Prototype Model
1. It is easy to detect errors.
2. We can find missing functionality easily.
3. It can be reused by the developer for more complicated projects in the future.
4. It ensures a greater level of customer satisfaction and comfort.
5. It is ideal for online systems.
6. It helps developers and users both understand the system better.
7. Integration requirements are very well understood and deployment channels are decided at a very early stage.
8. It can actively involve users in the development phase.
Disadvantages of Prototype Model
1. This model is costly.
2. It has poor documentation because of continuously changing customer requirements.
3. There may be too much variation in requirements.
4. Customers sometimes demand the actual product to be delivered soon after seeing an early prototype.
5. Customers may not be satisfied or interested in the product after seeing the initial prototype.
6. There is certainty in determining the number of iterations.
7. There may be incomplete or inadequate problem analysis.
8. There may increase in the complexity of the system.