Difference between Prototype Model and Incremental Model

1. Prototype Model: The prototype model is a software development life cycle model which is used when the customer is not known completely about how the end product should be and its requirements. So in this model, a prototype of the end product is first developed by the developers and then tested and changes were made as per customer feedback until the customer is satisfied with the prototype. 

2. Incremental Model: Incremental Model is a model of software development where the product is, analyzed, designed, implemented, and tested incrementally until the product is finished. Multiple development cycles take place and these cycles are divided into smaller modules. Generally, working software in an incremental model is produced during the first module Each subsequent release of the module adds function to the previous release. In the incremental model, the process continues till the complete system is achieved. 

Difference between Prototype Model and Incremental Model :

S.No.	Prototype Model	Incremental Model
1.	Prototype model is a software development model where a prototype is built, tested and then refined as per customer needs.	Incremental Model is a software development model where the product is, analyzed, designed, implemented and tested incrementally until the product is finished.
2.	Phases- Requirement Analysis Quick Design Build Prototype User Evaluation Refining Prototype Implement and Maintain	Phases- Requirement Analysis Design and Development Testing Implementation
3.	It is suitable for high-risk projects.	Incremental model can’t handle large project.
4.	Cost of prototype model is Low.	Cost of incremental model is also Low.
5.	Flexibility to change in prototype model is Easy.	Flexibility to change in incremental model is Easy.
6.	It does not support automatic code generation.	It supports automatic code generation as results in minimal code writing.
7.	It does not give emphasis on risk analysis.	It give emphasis on risk analysis.
8.	In this user involvement is high.	In this user Involvement is only at the beginning.
9.	Advantages- Active user involvement Errors get detected earlier User has better understanding of the developed system Easier modifications Quick user feedbacks leads to effective solutions	Advantages- Quick development of working software in software development life cycle Flexible Not expensive in case of changing scope and requirements Easy testing and debugging for a smaller iteration Customer is involved during each built Easy risk management
10.	Disadvantages- Increased complexity because of a lot of user involvement Incomplete problem analysis	Disadvantages- Requirement of good planning and design Before dividing the system into smaller parts and built gradually, it must be completely and clearly defined.