What Is The Difference Between Waterfall And Agile Development Models

Introduction

In Software Engineering, a process of breaking the software development work into smaller, parallel or sequential or any sub-processes in order to improvise the design or project management is called Software Development process. There are a number of software development models that have been formulated to simplify the complex processes. Some of them are-

 Waterfall Model

 Agile Software Development

Spiral Model

V- model

 Scrum

 Software Prototyping

Lean Software Development

There are many other models which are used in different industries. Different phases are involved in each of the models to divide the software development work efficiently. There are certification courses available for some of these models on the website of Advance Agility.

Waterfall Development Model

The Waterfall Model was the first Process Model formulated in software engineering and product development field. It is a sequential, linear approach to SDLC or Software Development Lifecycle. As the water flows from a cliff with distinct breaks or end in flow, similarly, in this model each phase has a strategic theme with a goal to accomplish. In this model each phase starts and only after the completion of that phase can the other one be started. This model is a high-level project management methodology used for complicated projects which involve multiple divisions. The involvement of the client in this model is very limited unlike other models.

The end result of each phase decides the input and course of action of the next phase. The phases in the Waterfall Model are-

·       Analysis and Gathering the requirements of the project

·       System Design

·       Implementation of the System Design

·       Testing and Integration

·       Deployment of System

·       Maintenance

Agile Development Model

Agile SDLC Model is a versatile model with a combination of incremental and iterative process that focuses on rapid delivery of the software product. This model breaks the work into smaller builds called Sprints which can be worked upon simultaneously. Agile framework involves continuous planning, testing and other developments to deliver the end product. The most common and popular examples of this model are Scrum, XP (Extreme Programming), FDD (Feature Driven Development), DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method), ASD (Adaptive Software Development), Crystal and LSD (Lean Software Development).

Difference between Waterfall and Agile Development Models

Waterfall and Agile Development Models have their own benefits and disadvantages are very dissimilar to each other. Below is a comparison chart between the two models:-

POINTS OF DIFFERENCE	WATERFALL DEVELOPMENT MODEL	AGILE DEVELOPMENT MODEL
1.     Root Industry	Infrastructure and engineering	Software Development
2.     Engagement with Clients	Limited	Involvement throughout the process
3.     Frameworks	Incremental Waterfall, Wagile, Sashimi, Agilefall	Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Crystal, XP, FDD, DSDM
4.     Most efficient in the field of	Banks, Government Companies, large teams, Insurance industry	Small companies, SaaS, startups, small teams
5.     Main focus	Delivery of product matching the initial requirements	Delivery the software with continuous changes to the satisfaction of the customer
6.     Advantages	Estimation and planning of the project can be done perfectly at the very beginning with no scope for changes, so avoids chaos	Enables to make rapid changes according to the changing requirements with the involvement of the client
7.     Disadvantages	Minimal involvement of customer and a lot of upfront documentation	Estimation of software delivery is difficult as continuous changes are required

 

Conclusion

The comparison above sums up that both the models work efficiently for different types of projects. In software engineering more approaches are formulated with time and progress in technology keeping in mind the changing needs in the world. The Waterfall Development Model can effectively work for larger projects whereas Agile Development Model is better for smaller projects. AdvanceAgility provides training services for some of the Software Development Models and frameworks.

FAQs

1.     When should you choose Agile Model over Waterfall Model?

Both the models have their own advantages that can be useful for a project but sometimes one is better than the other. In projects that involve continuous change in the process and also engages with the Product Owner then, Agile model is the right choice. The project where transparency with the stakeholders is the main focus then Agile should be chosen over Waterfall Model.

2.     Which is the best Software Development Model?

In Software Development, the choice of the software methodology is very critical due to various reasons. The requirements, vastness of the project, involvement of the customer, etc. are some reasons on which it should be decided that which methodology will be the most efficient. In some industries Waterfall suits the best, in others Agile framework suits best. So there is no best Software Development Model it is just the best suited model according to the project

3.     When to use the Waterfall Model?

This model is the first of all the models and cannot be efficient for all the projects. This model can be used when-

·       The requirements of the project are pre-determined and have no scope of changes. This is important as each phase has strategic themes and any change in the middle may create chaos.

·       Project is short.

·       There are no cryptic requirements.

·       Sufficient resources and expertise in technology. 

About Advance Agility

We, at Advance Agility, are the new-age Agile Coaching, Consulting and IT services company. We enable end-to-end Digital Transformation. Agile execution is integral to our being. We are doing SAFe implementation with small, medium and large organization across the globe. Our vision is to be the leading Agile execution player globally. To keep adding value at every process stage. We are on a mission to empower our clients, move from concept to cash in the shortest sustainable lead time by adopting human centric approach to business agility. Embracing the change is in our DNA. Things that keep us apart are Quicker and Seamless execution with End-to-end gamut of services. Our Global presence and Stellar Track Record give us an edge over our competitor.

Connect with us at advanceagility.com to learn about SAFe and SAFe Implementation. We provide various SAFe certification courses along with DevOps, Scrum, Agile Coaching and more trainings. Write to us at contact@advanceagilty.com for any agile training or consulting needs. We are always looking for competent agile trainers as well. So if you are a good trainer or want to become one, do get in touch with us to that we can learn, grow and achieve together.