RE: [AM] The Spiral Model

Mark,

Yes, if we want to build good software, we must 
- think about what the software should do
- think about how we can make the software do what it should
- create the software
- make sure that the software does what it is supposed to do

In my mind, the problem with waterfall (mini, maxi, or in between) is an implication that each of these activities should be done in isolation and in the above order. 

Agile approaches (at least, XP) are more holistic in that these activities can be done in any order, and even simultaneously.  I am not sure what Scott might mean by the Spiral model not being "realistic" or "accurate", but I do believe replacing the mini-waterfalls in Spiral with a holistic, integrated form of software development would make it more effective.

Steven Gordon

-----Original Message-----
From:	Mark Graybill [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent:	Sat 2/14/2004 7:03 PM
To:	[email protected]
Cc:	
Subject:	Re: [AM] The Spiral Model

<snip>

I remember a rather silly discussion here about mini-waterfalls.  To avoid a
similar discussion resulting from a comment here, is that there are certain
activities unavoidable in good software development.

1. Conceptualize what will be done such as the design or the test in TDD, or
scribbles on paper before something is coded - or at least the thought
paths - or thought then code cycles that occur during the conceptualization
of what is coded.
2. Something is coded.
3. The code is verified, either by planning or by operational use (e.g.
customer says it doesn't do what he said it should do.)

One therefore could argue that this is design, code, test, or a
mini-waterfall.

<snip>

For more information about AM, visit the Agile Modeling Home Page at www.agilemodeling.com
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