The Incremental Model combines elements of the Waterfall model with iterative development. Instead of delivering the whole system at once, it delivers functional components (increments) over time:
- The product is designed, implemented, and tested incrementally (a little more is added each time).
- Each increment adds new functionality.
- The first increment is usually the core product — additional features are built on top of it.
- Initial Planning
- Design Increment 1 → Build → Test → Deliver
- Design Increment 2 → Build → Test → Deliver
- ...Repeat until complete system is delivered
- Useful when not all requirements are known up front.
- Delivers working software early and often.
- Easier to test and debug smaller increments.
- User feedback can be integrated between increments.
- Needs good architectural planning.
- Later increments might require rework of earlier ones.
- System design issues may arise if not all requirements are known.
