Software Prototyping - Pros and Cons?

Software Development
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#1

Software prototyping is used in typical cases and the decision should be taken very carefully so that the efforts spent in building the prototype add considerable value to the final software developed. The model has its own pros and cons discussed as follows.

The advantages of the Prototyping Model are as follows −

  • Increased user involvement in the product even before its implementation.
  • Since a working model of the system is displayed, the users get a better understanding of the system being developed.
  • Reduces time and cost as the defects can be detected much earlier.
  • Quicker user feedback is available leading to better solutions.
  • Missing functionality can be identified easily.
  • Confusing or difficult functions can be identified.

The Disadvantages of the Prototyping Model are as follows −

  • Risk of insufficient requirement analysis owing to too much dependency on the prototype.
  • Users may get confused in the prototypes and actual systems.
  • Practically, this methodology may increase the complexity of the system as scope of the system may expand beyond original plans.
  • Developers may try to reuse the existing prototypes to build the actual system, even when it is not technically feasible.
  • The effort invested in building prototypes may be too much if it is not monitored properly.