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Difference between V-model and Waterfall model

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In the software business, the Waterfall model and the V-Model are both highly popular development approaches. Both of these paradigms provide systematic assistance for the creation of apps. The primary distinction between the V-Model and the Waterfall Model is that the V-Model identifies flaws during the testing phase, whereas the Waterfall Model identifies flaws at the outset.

Let’s Learn more about the V-Model and the Waterfall Model in this post, as well as how they differ from one another.

What is a V-Model?

V-model is the most important model that is used in the process of software testing. It is also known as the verification and Validation Model. It is Introduced by the late Paul Rook in the 1980s. The V-model is a sequential process in which the next phase begins only after the completion of the present phase. In this model, steps don’t move in a linear way while the steps are bent upwards. 

It is similar to the Waterfall model because we follow the V-model from left to right as well as follow a sequential path of execution of processes like in the waterfall model. In the waterfall model steps are followed as requirements, design, implementation, verification, and finally maintenance. In the same way, the same steps are followed in V-model. So we can say that V-model is the alternative to the waterfall model. 

What is Waterfall Model?

The Waterfall model involves initially developing the application, which is followed by various types of testing. In terms of how processes are carried out, the waterfall model is comparable to the V-Model.

The testing activities in the waterfall model are initiated following the conclusion of the development activities. Applications created using the waterfall paradigm have far less faults and flaws than those created using the V-Model.

Less client participation is required with the waterfall paradigm. Debugging takes place after the final step under this model, while problem identification occurs during testing. Comparatively speaking, the Waterfall model is less expensive than the V-Model.

Difference between V-model and Waterfall model

Besides that V-model is the alternative to the waterfall model. There is some difference between these two models which are given below.

S. No. Waterfall model V-model
1. The cost of Waterfall model is low. V-model is expensive.
2. Simplicity of Waterfall model is simple. Simplicity of V-model is Intermediate.
3. Flexibility of Waterfall model is Rigid. Flexibility of V-model is Little flexible.
4. There is no way to return to the earlier phase. There is no such constraint in V-model.
5. Waterfall model is a sequential execution process. It is also a sequential execution process.
6. Waterfall model’s steps move in a linear way. V-model’s steps don’t move in linear way.
7. Re-usability of Waterfall model is Limited. V-model can be Re-use for some extent.
8. User involvement in Waterfall model is only in beginning. User involvement in V-model is also only in beginning.
9. In Waterfall model testing activities start after the development activities are over. In V-model testing activities start with the first stage.
10. Guarantee of success through Waterfall model is low. Guarantee of success through V-model is high.
11. Waterfall model is a continuous process. V-model is a simultaneous process.
12. Software made using Waterfall model, the number of defects are less in comparison of software made using V-model. Software made using V-model, the number of defects are greater in comparison of software made using Waterfall model.
13. Requirement specification in Waterfall model is necessary in beginning. Requirement specification in V-model is also necessary in beginning.
14. Less customer involvement. More customer involvement as compared to waterfall model.
15. It is not possible to test a software during its development. There is possibility to test a software during its development.
16. Identification of defects is done in the testing phase. Identification of defects can be done from the beginning.
17. Debugging is done after the last phase. Debugging can be done in between phases.
18. It is less costly as compared to V-model. It involves more cost.
19. Waterfall model is less used now-a-days in software engineering. V-model is widely used in software engineering.

V-model and Waterfall model – FAQ’s

Q.1: How does risk management vary between the V-Model and Waterfall Model?

The V-Model inherently addresses risks by involving testing from the outset. Since testing is parallel to development, issues are identified earlier, leading to more effective risk mitigation. In contrast, the Waterfall Model addresses risks through sequential phases, which can result in discovering issues later in the process.

Q.2: Which model offers more comprehensive documentation – the V-Model or the Waterfall Model?

Both models emphasize documentation, but the Waterfall Model places a strong emphasis on comprehensive documentation for each phase before progressing. The V-Model also requires documentation but emphasizes the detailed alignment of testing activities with each development phase.

Q.3: Can you explain how the V-Model ensures higher quality compared to the Waterfall Model?

The V-Model’s emphasis on testing in tandem with development leads to higher quality. As each development phase is matched with a corresponding testing phase, issues are identified and rectified early, ensuring a smoother transition from development to testing. This aligns with the principle that detecting issues early reduces the likelihood of defects carrying forward.


Last Updated : 28 Feb, 2024
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