Abstract: Software Development Life Cycle Models are frameworks used to design, develop and test the software. They define a set of guidelines which are to be followed during the development. These models make sure that the software is designed systematically, according to the need of the customer and within the time schedule. Different types of software development life cycle models are waterfall, iterative, V-shaped, prototype and spiral model. Each of these models has its own benefits and drawbacks. The main aim of this research paper is to study different aspects of all these models and compare them so as to help the developers to choose the most suitable method according to the situation.

Keywords: SDLC, waterfall, iterative, V-shaped, prototype, spiral model.