Software Processes in the Software Product Life Cycle

Apart from the different formats of software process descriptions and life cycle models as discussed in the previous chapter, there are many different types of such models. The basis for these models is formed by several fundamental life cycles, in particular sequential models such as the waterfall model or the V-shaped model, and iterative-incremental models such as the spiral model or Scrum. These fundamental life cycles can be varied in many forms, or extended by adding information leading to detailed process models such as the (Rational) Unified Process. The models can also include different sets of processes, where at one end of the spectrum, software processes support software development by structuring the different development-related activities. At the other end of the spectrum, software processes also provide a more comprehensive perspective, e.g. including operation and IT service management, or interfacing with organisational and administrative tasks. Depending on the purpose of the model, there are some very different types of process reference models available, including for example method-driven life cycle models, agile methodologies, process assessment models. In this chapter, we survey these different types of software processes and their role in the software life cycle. We provide a categorization of software processes, introduce the basic life cycle models, and present some selected reference models.