Difference between V-model and Spiral model Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report V-Model and Spiral Model both are software development life cycle models. The V-Model is a sequential software development model with concurrent development and testing phases, best for projects with clear requirements and low complexity. On the other hand, the Spiral Model is an iterative, risk-driven approach that handles high complexity and allows for greater flexibility and changes throughout the project lifecycle. Both models are expensive but differ in their flexibility and approach to managing project phases and complexity. What is V-Model?The V-model is the most important model that is used in the process of software testing. It is also known as a verification and validation model. It was introduced by the late Paul Rook in the 1980s. V-model is a sequential process in which the next phase begins only after the completion of the present phase. In this model, steps don’t move in a linear way while the steps are bent upwards. V-ModelWhat is Spiral Model?The Spiral Model is a SDLC model that is highly used for risk-driven models. Based on the risk patterns of a given project, the spiral model helps developers increase the efficiency of model as most risk already handled. It consist of number of loops which form a spiral shape, where each loop is called phase of software development cycle. Phases of Spiral ModelThere are mainly four phases of Spiral Model: PlanningRisk AnalysisEngineeringEvaluationSpiral ModelDifference between V-Model and Spiral Model AspectV-MODELSPIRAL MODELDefinitionV model is software development model but development and testing are concurrent. Spiral model is a software development model and is made with features of incremental, waterfall or evolutionary prototyping models.TestingIn V-model testing activities start with the first stage. Testing is done in spiral model at the end of the engineering phase.CostCost of V-model is expensive. Cost of spiral model is also very expensive.Flexibility to ChangeV-Model has little flexibility to change Flexibility to change in spiral model is high.SuccessThe V-Model provides a high degree of success. The guarantee of success through Spiral model is low.User InvolvementIn V-Model user involvement in is only at the beginning. In Spiral Model user involvement is also only at the beginning. Phases Overlapping Phases do not overlap. Phases can Overlap Complexity Management Better for projects with clear requirements and low complexity. Better for projects with high complexity. Iterative NatureV-Model is not iterative. Spiral Model is iterative. Comment More infoAdvertise with us A ashvika99 Follow Improve Article Tags : Difference Between Software Engineering Similar Reads Difference between V-model and RAD model 1. V-model: V-model is the most important model that is used in the process of software testing. It is also known as Verification and Validation Model. It is Introduced by the late Paul Rook in the 1980s. V-model is a sequential process in which the next phase begins only after the completion of the 3 min read Difference between RAD Model and Spiral Model Rapid Application Development (RAD) model and Spiral Model both are software development life cycle model. The Spiral Model is best for large, complex projects with significant risks, requiring detailed planning and extensive documentation, while the RAD Model focuses on rapid development with easy 3 min read Difference between Waterfall Model and Spiral Model The waterfall model and Spiral model are used in software development. Waterfall model is also known as the classical or linear model because it follows sequential stages while the spiral model does not follow the sequential stages it follows the evolutionary way. The amount of risk in the waterfall 3 min read Difference between Prototype Model and Spiral Model The Spiral Model and Prototype Model are two distinct approaches in software development. The Spiral Model focuses on managing risks through iterative cycles, integrating elements from incremental and evolutionary prototyping. In contrast, the Prototype Model emphasizes rapid development and continu 5 min read Difference between Spiral model and Incremental model The Spiral Model and Incremental Model both are software development life cycle models. The Spiral Model is a risk-driven software development model that handles risks early and can manage large projects but is expensive and requires a large team. On the other hand, the Incremental Model develops th 3 min read Difference between Agile Model and V-Model Agile Model: Agile Model is the software development model in which the development and testing process carries on simultaneously. In this model, both development-related processes and testing-related processes are parallel. This model provides the facility for more interaction between the developme 2 min read Like