Which software life cycle model is based on iterative prototyping?

Concept

A life-cycle model is identified by the control principle that organizes its repeated development cycles. Iteration alone is not exclusive: prototyping may refine requirements, Agile may refine product increments, and the Spiral model uses repeated risk-driven cycles.

In the standard Spiral model, each cycle establishes objectives, evaluates alternatives and risks, develops and verifies the next-level product, and plans the following cycle. Prototypes are commonly used within the risk-reduction work.

Application

The exact Bihar STET item uses the textbook description “based on iterative prototyping.” The official-paper key treats this as the Spiral model, which combines iterative prototyping with controlled, systematic development and explicit risk analysis.

Contrast

• Waterfall model follows a largely sequential phase structure.

• Agile model develops usable product increments in short inspect-and-adapt cycles.

• Prototype model primarily uses a mock-up to discover or clarify requirements; it may be throwaway or evolutionary.

• Spiral model organizes the whole process into risk-driven cycles and can use prototypes to reduce uncertainty in those cycles.

Result

Under the official exam convention for this exact wording and option set, the answer is Spiral model.