Which software development life-cycle model is the simplest among the following?

Concept

A software process model organizes development activities and defines how work moves between them.

A model is structurally simple when its phases and transitions follow a direct, easy-to-understand pattern with minimal iteration or feedback loops.

Application

The waterfall model arranges requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance in a linear sequence. Each phase is completed before the next begins, so its basic flow is simpler than models built around repeated prototypes or iterations.

Contrast

• Prototyping model: creates an early working model and refines it through feedback, adding feedback cycles.

• Iterative model: revisits development activities in repeated cycles, adding repeated refinement.

• None of these: applies only if none of the listed named models fits the requested description.

Result

Therefore, among the offered choices, the simplest software development model is the waterfall model.