Prototype Model

Types of Prototyping

There are following major four types of prototype models used widely used in software industry:

1. Rapid Throwaway Prototyping
   This is also known as close-ended prototyping. The prototype model developed in this method uses minimum requirement analysis and evolved with the help of customer feedback. Once the actual requirements are understood with the help of feedback from the customer, the actual prototype is developed of much better quality.
    
2. Evolutionary Prototyping
   This is also known as breadboard prototyping. The prototype model developed in this method starts with a minimal understanding of requirements. The requirements are gradually added to the model based on the customer feedback until it gets finally accepted.
    
3. Incremental Prototyping
   In this method, the final expected prototype model is divided into multiple functional prototype models, and each of these smaller prototypes is built individually. The final prototype model is developed by integrating all of these smaller functional prototypes.
    
4. Extreme Prototyping
   This method is mainly used in the web development domain. It consists of the following three sequential phases:
   1. In the first phase, a basic prototype with all the existing pages is presented in the HTML format.
   2. In the second phase, the data processing is simulated using a prototype services layer.
   3. In the third phase, all the services are implemented and associated with the final prototype.

Also check out - Phases of Compiler and  V Model in Software Engineering

Advantages of Prototyping

The major advantages of the prototype model are listed below:

1. A working model is displayed before the implementation that will give a better understanding of the software to the customer.
2. The customers are involved even before the implementation of the product. Thus, the level of customer satisfaction and comfort will increase.
3. Defects can be detected in the prototype model and can be resolved.
4. New requirements and missing functionalities can be easily identified and added to the model.
5. The developed prototype can be reused for other complex projects as well.

Disadvantages of Prototyping

The major advantages of the prototype model are listed below:

1. There may be many variations in the requirements by the customers, which can be difficult for the developers to arrange in the prototype.
2. Users may get confused about the prototypes and actual products.
3. The customer might cancel the project after seeing the initial prototype.

See more, human computer interaction

FAQs

1. What is SDLC(Software Development Life Cycle)?
   Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process consisting of various activities performed for the development of a software product. It represents the series of planned activities in the software life cycle.
    
2. What are the major types of the prototype model?
   There are majorly four different types of the prototype model. They are:
   Rapid prototyping
   Evolutionary prototyping
   Incremental prototyping
   Extreme prototyping

Key takeaways-

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