Waterfall Vs. Agile

The first and foremost decision you must make when building software is to finalize the project development methodology. The most prominent and popular models are the Waterfall Methodology and the Agile Methodology. For that, you must also compare the two, Waterfall Vs. Agile Methodology. It is where the software development life cycle comes in. Want to know more about it? Then, scroll below to learn how to choose a better fit for your requirements. 

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

SDLC refers to designing, developing, and testing the highest quality software. It helps create the best quality software based on the specific customer’s expectations and deadlines. The process further defines tasks to be performed at each step during the software development process. This helps complete the particular project within the stipulated time frame.

Several SDLC Models are followed for software development processes across organizations. Every process includes a series of steps to ensure its success.

Let us highlight the two popular SDLC models: 

• Waterfall Model
• Agile Model

What is the Waterfall Methodology?

The Waterfall Method is among the earliest Software Development Life Cycle approaches to software development. The Waterfall model is a collection of several phases which must be completed to begin the next phase.

The project is then broken down into sequential phases, followed in the Waterfall Model in a top-down approach. The process starts with gathering requirements and then goes up to the maintenance step. 

The top-down approach associated with the Waterfall Model is also called the Linear-Sequential Life Cycle Model. You must follow a rigid sequence in the Waterfall model. The process happens by executing a particular phase after finishing the current one. 

The Waterfall model prioritizes comprehensive documentation over fast delivery of working software. It works exactly like the SDLC model, except that the latter moves in a single direction. 

Stages of the Waterfall Model

The Waterfall Model is a linear and sequential approach to software development. It consists of distinct stages, which ensure a systematic progression from project initiation to deployment. Here is an overview of each stage:

Requirement Gathering

The initial phase involves comprehending and documenting the project requirements establishing the foundation for the entire Waterfall Model.

System Design

Following the requirements specification, a detailed study is conducted, leading to the creation of the system design and the project's overall architecture.

Implementation

Utilizing input from the system design phase, the system is developed in small units subjected to functional testing known as unit testing, ensuring each component's functionality.

Integration and Testing

The units developed are tested and then integrated into a cohesive system. Rigorous testing is performed to identify and rectify faults or failures in the entire system.

Deployment

After completing functional and non-functional testing, the project is deployed in the market or the customer environment, making it accessible.

Maintenance

Post-deployment, client-side issues are addressed through patches, and enhanced project versions are released, ensuring ongoing improvements and client satisfaction.

What is Agile?

The Agile methodology involves promoting continuous development iteration and testing the software development lifecycle. This particular project is split into sprints. Every sprint of the Agile methodologies has its defined duration and a list of planned deliverables.

The project team in Agile can review the work with the help of daily builds and sprint demos. The Agile process further ensures the rapid delivery of all the functional components of the project. This process has a very high level of customer involvement throughout every project.

Click here to understand the sprint in detail.

Stages of the Agile Life Cycle

The Agile Life Cycle is characterized by its iterative and flexible approach, allowing for continuous adaptation throughout the software development process. Here's an overview of each stage:

Initiation

The initiation or inception phase marks the discussion of the project vision and the justification of Return on Investment (ROI), setting the foundation for the Agile development journey.

Planning

In this collaborative phase, the project team identifies all aspects of the project. The emphasis is on developing a flexible plan that outlines how the team will proceed with the project.

Development

Once the requirements are finalized, the development phase kicks off. Unlike traditional methods, Agile promotes the delivery of a high-quality working project in several sprints, fostering adaptability and quick iterations.

Release

The release phase is when the product or project is deployed and becomes accessible to end-users. Continuous monitoring during this stage helps identify and address bugs and defects promptly.

Retirement

The final stage of retirement signifies the release of a newer product version. This may involve minor software changes or bug resolutions, ensuring the Agile approach to continuous improvement and adaptation.

Waterfall Vs. Agile: How to Choose the Right Methodology?

The comparison between the Waterfall and Agile Methodologies will help you differentiate between the two methods. This will also help you eventually choose the best methodology for your project, The following table further identifies the differences between Waterfall and Agile to showcase which works better in a particular situation.

Also, explore: Scrum vs. Waterfall

When is Waterfall Better Than Agile?

Let us understand the situations when a Waterfall model is better than Agile:

• Rigidity over Flexibility: Banks, manufacturing, and defense industries need a rigid structure. This accounts for their initial requirements, which also include security. Such fields may benefit from the Waterfall model.
• Documentation Over Working Software: Waterfall models can help if your project requires comprehensive documentation. The rigid structure associated with these methodologies makes documents more efficient.
• Compartmentalization over Collaboration: Waterfall models often encourage isolation between departments and stakeholders. So, Waterfall is more beneficial if you do not need to collaborate with your clients.

Also, Check:Why Agile methodology is better than Waterfall

Advantages of Agile Over Waterfall

There is no denying that Agile may also prove beneficial over Waterfall in many projects. Here are some instances: 

• Adaptability to Changing Requirements: Agile excels in projects where requirements are likely to change or evolve during development. It embraces changes and allows for continuous adaptation. This makes it suitable for industries or projects with dynamic or unclear requirements.
• Faster Time-to-Market: Agile methodologies, with their iterative and incremental approach, often result in shorter development cycles and faster time-to-market compared to the linear nature of Waterfall. This is important in industries where rapid product deployment or updates are essential to stay competitive.
• Collaboration and Team Empowerment: Agile emphasizes collaboration and close interaction between cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and clients throughout development. This collaborative environment enables better communication, shared understanding, and quicker problem resolution.

Can You Combine Agile and Waterfall?

Yes, it is possible to combine Agile and Waterfall SDLC methodologies. This can be done by integrating one model for a specific set of phases and the other for the remaining development stages.

Both Agile and Waterfall models come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, organizations often opt for a hybrid approach. It helps them leverage the strengths of each methodology for different phases of the software development process. Choosing a particular methodology for a given phase depends on the desired level of collaboration or rigidity required.

For instance, industries such as banking often utilize Waterfall models for the initial stages. However, they may transition to Agile methodologies for the development stage to enhance collaboration, adaptability, and quicker iterations.

Conclusion

You must have become well-versed about the differences between Agile and Waterfall methodologies by now. It depends on the specific project requirement regarding the SDLC method you choose to work on eventually. However, you must also know the distinctions between the two methodologies to help you understand which method, Agile or Waterfall, suits your project the best.

Do you wish to learn more about these two project methodologies? Enroll in Agile certifications from Simpliaxis to know more about the processes. 

FAQs

1. What is the primary difference between the Waterfall and Agile methodologies?

The primary difference lies in their approach to software development. Waterfall follows a linear and sequential model, while Agile embraces an iterative and flexible approach with continuous adaptation.

2. Can Waterfall and Agile methodologies be combined for a project?

Yes, combining Waterfall and Agile methodologies is possible by using one for specific phases and the other for the remaining development stages. This hybrid approach allows organizations to benefit from the strengths of both methodologies.

3. When is Waterfall better than Agile, and vice versa?

Waterfall is better suited for projects with well-defined requirements and minimal changes, such as in banking or manufacturing. Agile is preferable when conditions are likely to change, and faster time-to-market is crucial, making it suitable for dynamic projects like software development.