What is the difference between waterfall and agile methodology?

by Hruska William Best Software Testing Company In Canada

Agile and waterfall models are two of the most important methodologies used in the software development process. In fact, for years, companies have benefitted immensely through the strategic application of agile and waterfall methodologies for their specific software development projects. What needs though is an in-depth understanding of how to leverage these two methodologies, depending upon the project’s specific requirements. In this article, you will know about the differences between waterfall and agile methodology.

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What is waterfall methodology?

The waterfall methodology uses a sequential or linear approach to software development. It is carried out on the basis of detailed documentation, meticulous planning, and consecutive execution. It flows through all the phases of software development such as analysis, design, development, and testing. Only when each phase is completely wrapped up can the next phase be initiated. The amount and quality of work done on the front end, documenting everything, which includes user stories is what determines the success of the waterfall model.

It is also considered to be a project management approach, where it is successfully completed in discrete stages and is further moved towards ultimately releasing to consumers. Waterfall methodology focuses on helping internal teams by moving them through the different phases of a project in a strategic and result-oriented manner.

What is agile methodology?

It focuses on breaking a project into several phases. It encourages continuous improvement at every stage and constant collaboration with stakeholders. In this methodology, emphasis is on solutions and demands that evolve through the collaborative effort of cross-functional and self-organizing teams and their customers.

Agile methodology focuses on delivering the right product with frequent and incremental delivery of small chunks of functionality through self-organizing, cross-functional teams. It focuses on promoting constant iteration of development and testing all along the software development process.

Differences between waterfall and agile methodology:

Waterfall methodology	Agile methodology
It is ideal for projects with precise requirements	It is ideal for projects where there is constant change involved
It is easy to manage and follows a sequential approach	It is flexible, which means changes can be undertaken throughout the different phases of software development
Project’s description cannot be altered in this model	Project’s description can be easily altered in this model
Project needs cannot be edited in this model	Project requirements can be frequently edited
Customers can intervene only at specific scenarios of the project development process	Customers can intervene throughout the project development process
It works well when the scope is known well in advance or when there is a change in the contract terms limit	Changes are always welcome, but, at the expense of schedule, cost, and other features. It is able to work well when the scope is not known in advance
Features are built based on taking precise inputs from customers and then working on customer requirements	Here the priority is given to the value, as those features which are more valuable are implemented. This will, in turn, reduce the risk of having an unusable product
Team coordination is limited	Small, dedicated teams work through a lot of interaction. Synchronization and coordination is important in this methodology
Project managers, team leads and the other relevant staff are involved in the project development process	Customers are involved and their inputs are encouraged in the project development process
Only one project is focused upon after full completion of which can the next project be initiated	Many different projects can be worked upon at the same time

Conclusion: The above-mentioned differences might have given you some idea about the role of the waterfall and agile methodology. If you are looking for more insightful information about these two models for the benefit of your organization, then just visit online a premium software testing services company that will provide you worthwhile information in line with your organizational needs.