What is the Big Bang Model?
The Big Bang model is a SDLC model that begins from the very beginning. Because it doesn’t involve any planning, this model of SDLC is the most straightforward option. The “Great Big Bang,” which is the event that led to the formation of galaxies, planets, stars, and other objects, was the inspiration for the name given to the “Big Bang” model of the universe. This software development life cycle (SDLC) model combines time, effort, and resources in order to produce a product. Although it’s possible that the finished product won’t live up to the expectations set forth by the customer, the product is built in stages according to their specifications. The implementation of this model calls for meticulous programming and a substantial amount of capital.
The main purpose of big bang model is to begin coding as soon as possible, without first following any particular structure, and then to deliver the product to the customer. On the basis of some preliminary requirements, day-to-day development is kicked off without having a clear idea of what the final product will be. The client maintains communication with the development team in order to monitor the outcome of the work that has been done. If the results is not what was anticipated, an alternative approach will be looked for and worked on in order to provide the intended result of creating the anticipated product. This paradigm is typically utilised for shorter projects that involve small development teams, which indicates that this model can be developed by as few as one or as many as two developers cooperating with one another. The high risk that is involved is the reason why this model is not appropriate for use with large projects.
Therefore, when the requirements for the final product are not entirely clear, it is recommended that this model be used for projects that are both brief and straightforward. The characteristics of this model include those that are mentioned below:
- A brief description of the prototype is given.
- Little effort is needed, and the implementation concept is straightforward.
- It is not necessary to have a detailed requirement specification.
- Enables the incorporation of newer technologies so that changes and adaptation can be observed.
Big Bang Model – Design and Application
The Big Bang model involves conducting software development and coding with as little or as much forethought as possible in order to maximise the use of all of the available resources and tools. In this model, the requirements are comprehended and implemented in the order in which they are presented. Any necessary changes and/or functionality additions under the created system might or might not require a complete rewrite of the programme, depending on the nature of the changes and additions.
This approach to the development of software is best suited for use on modest projects that involve the cooperation of only one or two developers. Building academic or professional projects can also be accomplished with the help of this methodology. When it comes to a product for which the requirements are not crystal clear and the date of delivery is not definite, this strategy is ideal. Testing each module as soon as it is prepared for integration is a key component of the Big Bang approach to software development life cycle (SDLC). After that, all of these individual modules are put together to form the whole product, which is then put through its paces to ensure that it is free of any errors. The following components of the Big Bang model are candidates for elimination over time:
- Because each individual module is entirely constructed and not integrated separately or individually, modules are integrated in this development methodology.
- It is done separately for each module to look for errors and flaws.
- When a module has a problem or error, the module is disassembled to identify the root of the issue.
Big Bang Deployment
The deployment phase of a product or release is typically one of the final and most important steps in the software development life cycle. This is because the deployment phase is a less significant component of software development. Even though the vast majority of projects will go with a standard, step-by-step rollout for a new deployment, there are some circumstances in which it may not be possible to gradually implement a new system. This is especially the case when developing a significantly updated version of a product or release.
In circumstances such as these, the only sensible solution is a deployment that takes place instantly, similar to turning a switch on and off. This technique, which is also known as big bang adoption, necessitates the transfer of all users to the new system at a certain time and date in order for it to be effective.
It shouldn’t be surprising to realise that there are many risks involved with establishing any system via big bang deployment, especially a new software system. Unanticipated problems can, in many instances, lead to peculiarities in the operation of the system or to failures to properly handle migrated information, which may be present when information is brought over from an earlier version of the system.
The worst-case scenario for such instantaneous deployment is that it leads to bugs in the code that are so severe that the system essentially stops functioning properly on all fronts. In the year 1992, the Computer Aided Dispatch programme that was being implemented by the London Ambulance Service was an example of a real-world scenario in which a big bang deployment resulted in catastrophic failure. The software was designed to make the process of quickly assigning responding ambulances to incoming calls for emergency services easier.
Unfortunately, just a few hours after the system went live, a multitude of issues surfaced, such as the software sending multiple units to one location while completely ignoring other locations. This was just one of the many issues that occurred. Because the application started generating such a high volume of error messages on the terminals of the dispatchers, incoming calls from callers reporting emergencies were not received at all. Only eight days after the system was initially made available to users, it was decided to completely abandon it in favour of the older, more manual system.
When to use it and where not to :
This software development life cycle (SDLC) model is appropriate for use with small projects in which there are few people working on the project, the customer’s demands are not precise and are subject to change, or the project is a dummy/side-project. This model is considered to be the worst SDLC model because there is no proper planning involved in it. As a result, it is highly unsuitable for use on large projects.
It is advised to use the Big Bang model only in the following situations:
- creating a project for research or educational purposes.
- There is a lack of clarity regarding the user’s requirements.
- when it is necessary to implement newer requirements right away.
- modifying requirements according to how the current product is coming along.
- There are no rigid deadlines for product release or delivery.
Features of SDLC Big Bang Model:
- not call for a detailed requirement specification
- gives a brief description of the prototype.
- Little effort is required, and the concept of implementation
- enables the fusion of more modern technologies to observe changes and adaptability
Advantages of the SDLC Big Bang Model
- No Planning Requirements: The capability to immediately begin coding is potentially the most significant benefit offered by the Big Bang model of software development. Because there is no obligation to formally write out a large number of requirements, story cards, or specification documents, developers are free to sit down, open their preferred editor, and immediately start hacking away at the code itself. They might be able to create something that is both tangible and useful in a short period of time as a result.
- There is no need for managements: Because there is neither planning documentation nor a set of formalised requirements, there is also a very low demand for managerial staff. Because there is no established chain of command in a Big Bang model project, the members of the team will almost always function in an equivalent capacity to one another.
- Ideal for Small Projects: It should not come as a surprise, given the chaotic nature of a project that is implemented using the Big Bang model, that the kind of application that is most suitable to this method is that of a particularly small venture. Within small teams consisting of only a few developers, the Big Bang model is actually quite common, regardless of whether or not the developers are aware of or acknowledge the fact that they are using it.
- Very good Software Development Introduction: The Big Bang model is excellent for teaching newcomers the fundamental principles of software development, despite the fact that it is not always applicable to most projects. This is because it enables newcomers to dive right into the code and concentrate on the development aspects, as opposed to getting bogged down in the minutiae of most typical SDLC models, such as documentation, testing, and so on.
- Ideal for Developers Who Work in Multiple Disciplines: Big Bang model projects are ideally suited for catering to the skills of multi-disciplined or full-stack developers, who are able to work with a wide variety of different technologies. This is due to the fact that everyone who is participating in the project is likely to be a developer.
Disadvantages of the SDLC Big Bang Model
- Extremely Risky: It may go without saying, but using the Big Bang model for anything other than the simplest of projects comes with a number of risks that are both very real and very serious. It is all too easy to run into a potentially serious problem later down the line once deep into the project without proper planning, formal leadership, or even standard coding practises and procedures. This may require a massive or even a complete rewrite of the entire code base up to that point. There is, however, no better way to learn how to code if you aspire to be a programming rock star.
- Too Simple for Such a Complicated Task: On the one hand, the Big Bang model functions reasonably well with more manageable projects and smaller teams, but on the other, it is an unmitigated disaster for more extensive or more protracted projects. Even in the best case scenario for a lengthy project, problems would be discovered frequently but relatively soon after they were created. This would already require hours or even days of necessary refactoring and alterations to be made to components that already existed in the system. The worst-case scenario is that the entire system will fail, as was demonstrated earlier with the fiasco that occurred with the London Ambulance Service.
- A Possible Financial Burden: The Big Bang model is one of the cheapest ways to start a project, but because of the risks, it can become one of the most expensive SDLC models over time. Despite the fact that the Big Bang model is one of the least not cheap ways to begin a project, it does come with some risks. Despite the fact that initial funds and budget will be spent on a whim for whatever is necessary to get the ball rolling, such a lack of planning can quickly spiral out of control when the requirements of the project change dramatically without notice.
FAQs
1. Why is it called the “Big Bang Model”?
The book “The Great Big Bang,” which describes the event that led to the formation of galaxies, stars, planets, and other objects, served as the impetus for the development of the “Big Bang” model. In a similar manner, the production of a product requires a combination of time, effort, and resources, as shown by this SDLC model.
2. Is it suitable for object-oriented projects?
It is not intended to be used for projects that are extensive, complicated, or object-oriented. Due to the high level of risk associated with the model, we are unable to use it to build a large or complex project.
3. Is it a recommended model for software development?
The Big Bang methodology is deficient in a number of important processes that are essential for the completion of large or complicated projects. These processes include service level agreements, planning, preparation, testing, analysis, and execution. As a consequence of this, it is the worst model that could possibly be used for such a project.
4. Is this model cheaper than others since it doesn’t require much maintenance and hands to build?
The application of this methodology in software development calls for fewer resources, developers, and management costs; consequently, it is cost-effective; however, it could be expensive if needs aren’t explicitly stated.
5. What is the advantage of this model for the developer?
It creates developers of the highest calibre, and sometimes even full-stack developers: Students and other beginning computer programmers can benefit from using this approach to develop their software coding skills in a wide range of technologies.
Conclusion
The big bang model is one of the very simple SDLC model that is appropriate for small projects that are used for learning or for a side project that does not require much planning. It is overly simplistic, but it could pose a threat to large projects that involve a great deal of complexity and would call for the people involved to have a solid foundational knowledge of the technology on which the project is based.
References
SDLC – Big Bang Model. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.tutorialspoint.com/sdlc/sdlc_bigbang_model.htm
GeeksforGeeks. (2021, March 22). Overview of Big Bang Model. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/overview-of-big-bang-model/
Banks, F. (2022, July 13). Big Bang Model: What Is It And How Do You Use It? https://blog.airbrake.io/blog/sdlc/big-bang-model
Coding Ninjas. (n.d.). Code Studio. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.codingninjas.com/codestudio/library/the-big-bang-model