Phases of V-Model

The V-Model, (Verification and Validation Model) is a software development and testing framework that illustrates the relationship between development testing phases. It is an extension of the waterfall model, where each development stage corresponds to a testing phase. The name “V-Model” is derived from the shape of the diagram, which resembles the letter “V.”

In the V-Model, each stage of the development process has a corresponding stage in the testing process, forming a symmetrical structure. The key idea is that the testing activities are planned and executed in parallel with the development activities, ensuring that the testing process is well integrated into the software development life cycle.

Phases in V – Model:

• Verification: A static analysis method (review) carried out devoid of code execution is used. This involves assessing the product development process to determine if the requirements are met.
• Validation: Code is run to test the system using a dynamic analysis method (functional or non-functional). After the development phase is finished, the software is categorized via the validation process to see if it satisfies the needs and expectations of the customer.

The Verification Phase is divided into many phases:

• Business requirement analysis: This is the initial stage in which the customer’s understanding of the product requirements is obtained. Detailed communication is used in this phase to ascertain the precise needs and expectations of the consumer.
• System Design: Using the user requirements document as a guide, system engineers analyze and interpret the proposed system’s business at this stage.
• Architecture Design: The first step in choosing an architecture is to make sure it understands everything, which usually includes a list of modules, a synopsis of each module’s operation, an interface map, dependencies, database tables, architecture diagrams, technological details, etc. There is a specific phase in which the integration testing model is implemented.
• Module Design: The system is divided into manageable modules during this stage. Low-Level Design is the term used to describe the specific, precise design of the modules.
• Phase of Coding: The coding stage begins after designing. The requirements are used to determine the best programming language. For coding, there are certain rules and specifications. The final build is performance-optimized before being checked into the repository, and performance is verified by several code reviews.

The Validation Phase is divided into many phases:

• Unit Testing: In the V-Model, the module design stage is when Unit Test Plans (UTPs) are created. To fix issues at the code or unit level, these UTPs are run. A program module is an example of a unit, which is the smallest entity that may exist on its own. Unit testing confirms that when separated from the other codes/units, the smallest entity may operate as intended.
• Integration Testing: During the architectural design phase, plans for integration tests are created. These tests confirm that groups that were formed and evaluated separately can live together and communicate with one another.
• System Testing: During the system design phase, plans for system tests are created. The business team of the client creates System Test Plans, in contrast to Unit and Integration Test Plans. System testing makes sure that an application developer’s requirements are met.
• Acceptance Testing: The business requirement analysis section is connected to acceptance testing. Testing the software product in a user-friendly environment is part of it. Acceptance tests identify compatibility issues with various systems that are accessible inside the user environment. Additionally, it finds non-functional issues such as load and performance flaws in the actual user environment.

Advantages of the V-Model:

• Clarity and Simplicity: The model is straightforward to understand, making it accessible to both developers and testers.
• Early Test Planning: Testing activities are planned early in the development life cycle, facilitating early detection and resolution of defects.
• Traceability: There is a clear and direct mapping between the development and testing phases, allowing for easy traceability of requirements to test cases.
• Comprehensive Testing: The V-Model promotes a comprehensive testing approach, covering various levels of testing from unit testing to acceptance testing.

Disadvantages of the V-Model:

• Rigidity: Like the waterfall model, the V-Model can be inflexible when it comes to accommodating changes in requirements during the development process.
• Late Feedback: Testing activities are more concentrated toward the end of the development life cycle, which can lead to late detection and correction of defects.
• Not Well-Suited for Agile Development: The V-Model may not be the best fit for Agile methodologies where iterative and incremental development is emphasized.
• Dependency on Early Specifications: The model relies on detailed and well-defined specifications at the beginning, and any ambiguity or changes in requirements may impact the entire development and testing process.