Agile Vs Waterfall Model

Do you also deal with the question of the Waterfall vs Agile model?

Of course, at the starting of any software project, organizations and teams have to go through certain difficult things. Software projects chase the methodology of plainly defined processes or SDLC (software development life cycle to ensure the end-product is unmatchable. An SDLC recognizes the phases and the structured flow from one phase to another phase. Generally, there are 6 to 7 phases.

Well, here we will particularly discuss the two popular and different development processes/methodologies and differences between them:-

1. Waterfall
2. Agile

What Is The Waterfall Model?

The waterfall model is a traditional model or methodology for developing engineering systems. It is based on construction and manufacturing industry projects. It is when added to software development, particular tasks accomplished in one phase required be verifying and reviewing before coming to the next phase.

The waterfall is also called the linear & sequential approach because phases flow downward to the next.

In simple words, the waterfall is project management and thus project development team moves to the next phase of development if the previous step is completed successfully.

What Is The Agile Model?

An agile model is an incremental approach to software development based on principles that focus more on collaboration, results, flexible responses, and people. It breaks down the development process in small increments completed in short time frames and iterations (the repetition of the process). After several iterations updated product is produced.

In simple words – in an agile model, testing and development activities are simultaneous. This process allows more communication between testers, managers, developers, and customers.

Agile Vs Waterfall Key Difference

• .     Agile is a profound iteration of testing and development in the software development process whereas waterfall is the next development process after the previous development process gets completely done.
• .         Agile methodology is flexible whereas waterfall is a framed software development methodology.

• .        The waterfall is a sequential design process while agile follows an incremental approach.
• .      In waterfall, testing comes after the “Build Phase” whereas agile performs in parallel with software development.
• .       Agile has a scope of changing the project development while waterfall has no scope of modifying or changing the needs once the project development begins.

Benefits Of Waterfall Model

·      Waterfall model is easy to manage. Due to its nature, each phase has particular deliverables as well as a review process.

•         It is good for small size projects where requirements are easy to apprehend.
•          Timely delivery of the project
•          Both process & result is well documented
•          Shifting teams can easily adapt the waterfall method
•          The model is helpful to manage dependencies

Limitations Of Waterfall Model

•          The waterfall model is not worthy for a large size project
•          If the requirements are not clear at the starting, it is a less effective methodology.
•          It is not easy to return to make changes in the prior phases.
•          The testing process begins once development gets completed. Thus, the bugs can be found later in the development phase and they are difficult to fix.

Benefits Of The Agile Model

•       It is a client-centric process and it ensures that the client is continuously involved during every  phase.
•          Agile teams are self-organized and tremendously motivated so it may give a better result from  the development projects.
•          This method assures that quality of the development is balanced.
•        Agile methodology is based on incremental progress. That’s why the client & team know what is done and what is not. This diminishes risk in the development progress.

Limitations Of Agile Model

•          It doesn’t manage small development projects.
•          It needs an expert to take vital decisions in the meeting.
•          The cost of implementing agile methodologies is more than other development methodologies.
•          The project may go astray if the project manager is not clear about what results in he wants.

Conclusion

Decide before you begin!

Take the time and consider the best way forward before you go on track. Firstly, you need to know what actually your goals are and determine the activities, dependencies, and variables that are essential for your project.

Know the success and metrics factors that are important and also review each process for the best match. What’s more, engage your dedicated team in the decision-making process and evaluate their experience and familiarity with different processes/methodologies. Whatever you select, stick to it, otherwise changing horse mid-race hardly ends well.

An Important Point To Be Noted-

Both popular software development models are good in their respective way. If you have a large size project, undoubtedly opt for agile methodology but if you have a small size project opt for waterfall methodology.

So, what software development methodology do you want to embrace? Which model do you prefer in the clash of these giants? Meghsundar pvt ltd is always there to help you manage the project. Please feel free to contact us.