The V-Model framework is a structured testing approach that can be used with any project management or system development methodology. It is an extension of the waterfall methodology.
The framework emphasises quality from the initial requirements stage through to the final acceptance testing stage. It focuses on testing throughout the development life-cycle, early development of test requirements, and early detection of errors. Each major deliverable in the development process is assessed, verified, validated and tested.
The deliverables required for each stage need to be verified and validated to ensure that they are complete and correct. Work proceeds to the next stage in the V-Model when all project deliverables in a stage have met including all verification and validation requirements. The process of verification and validation is an attempt to catch as many errors as possible within the development life cycle. Each successive stage of testing ensures that the specifications defined in the deliverable of the corresponding stage have been implemented. This is achieved by the early development of test requirements.
The four main process phases include requirements analysis, specification, system (including module) and architecture design and implementation. Each phase has a corresponding verification and validation testing phase. Implementation of modules is tested by unit testing, system design is tested by integration testing, system specifications are tested by system testing and finally acceptance testing verifies the requirements. The V-model gets its name from the timing of the phases.
Minimisation of Project Risks: The V-Model improves project transparency and project control by specifying standardized approaches and describing the corresponding results and responsible roles. It permits an early recognition of planning deviations and risks and improves process management, thus reducing the project risk.
Improvement and Guarantee of Quality: As a standardised process model, the V-Model ensures that the results to be provided are complete and have the desired quality. Defined interim results can be checked at an early stage. Uniform product contents will improve readability, clarity and verifiability.
Testing Metrics Management: A major advantage of applying the V-Model is the structured approach and clear distinction between test phases. This distinction creates the ability to clearly define testing metrics and measurements for each test stage, phase or overall lifecycle. Metrics management also highlights continuous improvement opportunities to management on optimisation of current testing practice, quality gate and risk management.
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