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Incremental Software Development Model: Combination of Two Models (Answer + Explanation)

Incremental Software Development Model: Combination of Two Models (Answer + Explanation)

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Sep 12, 2026

The incremental model is best understood as a hybrid process that mixes ideas from two well-known SDLC approaches. The common exam-style question asks: “The incremental model is a result of combination of elements of which two models?”

From standard descriptions of the incremental build model, it combines the waterfall model with the iterative philosophy of prototyping. In multiple teaching resources, this is summarized as Waterfall + Prototyping (i.e., an incremental/iterative refinement of a build delivered in parts).

Therefore, the correct option is:

(iii) Waterfall model and Prototyping model.

Footnotes

  1. What is a Software Process Model? (Incremental model section) - States incremental build model combines waterfall elements with iterative philosophy of prototyping. ↩

Matching the Given Options to the Standard Definition

The incremental build model is described as combining waterfall’s structured phases with prototyping’s iterative refinement.

Core SDLC concepts (used to justify the answer)

Incremental build model builds the system gradually: each increment typically goes through requirements/design/coding/testing for that slice, until completion.2

Waterfall model emphasizes a phase-by-phase workflow.

Prototyping model emphasizes iterative refinement using feedback from working artifacts.

Hybrid approach explains why the incremental model is often described as “waterfall + prototyping (iterative philosophy).”

Footnotes

  1. What is a Software Process Model? (Incremental model section) - States incremental build model combines waterfall elements with iterative philosophy of prototyping. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Incremental build model - Wikipedia - Defines incremental build model and notes it combines waterfall elements with iterative philosophy of prototyping. ↩ ↩2

How the Incremental Model combines Waterfall and Prototyping (conceptual mapping)

  1. 1
    Step 1

    Start with system requirements at a level sufficient to plan deliverable scope (waterfall-like structure).

  2. 2
    Step 2

    Break the product into components/increments, so each increment can be designed, implemented, and tested (waterfall phases repeated per increment).

  3. 3
    Step 3

    After each increment, you have a partially working system that users/engineers can evaluate (prototyping-like feedback).

  4. 4
    Step 4

    Use lessons learned from the evaluated increment to adjust requirements/design choices for subsequent increments (iterative philosophy of prototyping).

  5. 5
    Step 5

    Continue adding functionality until the system satisfies all requirements.

Exam shortcut

If you see “incremental model” described as combining “waterfall” phases with an “iterative philosophy of prototyping,” pick Waterfall + Prototyping.

Avoid confusing RAD with prototyping

Some resources may describe RAD as incremental prototyping, but the specific standard phrasing for incremental build model is waterfall + iterative prototyping philosophy—not “linear + RAD” and not “build & fix + waterfall.”2

Footnotes

  1. What is a Software Process Model? (Incremental model section) - States incremental build model combines waterfall elements with iterative philosophy of prototyping. ↩

  2. Incremental build model - Wikipedia - Defines incremental build model and notes it combines waterfall elements with iterative philosophy of prototyping. ↩

Why the other options are less aligned

Incremental Model Lifecycle (repeated per increment)

Waterfall-like pass

Increment 1

Requirements/design/coding/testing for the first slice."

Working slice feedback

Increment 2

Evaluate results; refine based on learning (prototyping philosophy)."

Further refinement

Increment 3

Add more functionality and adjust earlier assumptions."

Completion

Final increment

When all requirements are satisfied, the system is complete."

Incremental Model Quick Recall

1 / 3
Question · Term

Correct option: Incremental model is combination of which two models?

Click to reveal
Answer · Definition

Waterfall model + Prototyping model (iterative philosophy of prototyping).

Incremental vs Waterfall vs Prototyping (SDLC overview)

Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 3
Q1Single choice

The incremental model is a result of combination of elements of which two models?

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