5 Types of Software Testing Models in 2025

Machines completely dominate today’s world of technology, and their behavior is controlled by the software powering it. Software testing provides the solution to all our worries about machines behaving the exact way we want them to. This article will provide in-depth knowledge about the different Software Testing Models in the following sequence:

What are Software Testing Models?

Software testing models are structured methodologies used to plan, organize, and execute testing processes throughout the software development lifecycle. Different models or approaches can be used in the software development process, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. So, you must choose a particular model depending on the project’s deliverables and complexity.

Types of Software Testing Models

There are several types of software testing models, each designed to ensure the quality and functionality of a product. The most commonly used models include:

1. Waterfall Model

This is the most basic software development life cycle process, which is broadly followed in the industry. In this model, developers follow a sequence of processes downwards towards the ultimate goal. It is like a waterfall, with various phases involved.

The different phases in the waterfall model are:

• Requirement Analysis
• Analysis phase
• Software design
• Programmed implementation
• Testing
• Maintenance

Advantages

• It is easy to implement and maintain.
• The initial phase of rigorous scrutiny of requirements and systems helps in saving time later in the developmental phase.
• The requirement of resources is minimal and testing is done after each phase has been completed.

Disadvantages

• It is not possible to alter or update requirements.
• Once you move into the next phase you cannot make changes.
• You cannot start the next phase until the previous phase is completed.

2. V Model

The V Model is considered superior to the waterfall model. In this model, the development and test execution activities are carried out side by side in the downhill and uphill shape. Also, testing starts at the unit level and spreads towards the integration of the entire system.

Advantages

• It is easy to use since testing activities like planning and test designing are done before coding.
• This model enhances the chances of success and saves time.
• Defects are mostly found at an early stage and downward flow of defects is generally avoided.

Disadvantages

• It is a rigid model.
• The software is developed during the implementation phase so early prototypes of the product are not available.
• If there are changes in the midway, you need to update the test document.

3. Agile Model

In the Agile model, requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between various cross-functional teams. It is also known as an iterative and incremental model. The agile software testing model focuses on process adaptability and customer satisfaction by rapidly delivering a working software product and breaking the product into small incremental builds.

Advantages

• It ensures customer satisfaction with rapid and continuous development of deliverables.
• The continuous interaction between the customers, developers, and testers makes it a flexible model.
• You can develop the working software quickly and adapt to changing requirements regularly.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to assess the effort required at the beginning of the cycle for large and complex software development cases.
• Due to continuous interaction with the customer, the project can go off track if the customer is not clear about the goals.

4. Spiral Model

This software testing model is similar to the Agile model, but with more emphasis on risk analysis. The different phases of the spiral model include planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation. In this case, you need to gather the requirements and perform the risk assessment at the base level and every upper spiral builds on it.

Advantages

• It is suitable for complex and large systems.
• You can add functionalities depending on the changed circumstances.
• Software is produced early in the cycle.

Disadvantages

• It is a costly model which requires highly specialized expertise in risk analysis
• It does not work well on simpler projects.

5. Iterative Model

The Iterative model does not need a full list of requirements before beginning the project. The development process starts with the requirements of the functional part, which can be expanded later. The process is repetitive and allows new versions of the product for every cycle. Every iteration includes the development of a separate component of the system which is added to the functional developed earlier.

Advantages

• It is easier to control the risks as high-risk tasks are completed first.
• The progress is easily measurable.
• Problems and risks defined within one iteration can be prevented in the next sprints.

Disadvantages

• Iterative model requires more resources than the waterfall model.
• The process is difficult to manage.
• The risks may not be completely determined even at the final stage of the project.

These are the different software testing models involved in the software development life cycle. I hope you understood how each of these models is used in software testing.

Now, you can check out the Software Testing Fundamentals Course by Edureka. This course is designed to introduce you to the complete software testing life-cycle. You will be learning different levels of testing, test environment setup, test case design technique, test data creation, test execution, bug reporting, CI/CD pipeline in DevOps, and other essential concepts of software testing.

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