I will start with the fact that Waterfall and Agile are the two most common methodologies that have the same goal. And it is to find the best possible approach to the implementation of a project in the shortest possible time.
Both methodologies are used successfully in project management but in different ways. The Waterfall methodology is consistent and linear, and it works well when the scope of the project is known in advance. All phases must be thoroughly reviewed and approved by customers in advance. With this approach, making changes is limited and thus adaptability is lower. Here, testing happens at the end, when the project is completed, and finding a bug would be much more expensive. This methodology increases the risk of failure as it limits the partial success of the project. Reference: “Agile vs Waterfall Project Management”, https://pgov.org/agile-vs-waterfall-project-management/
Unlike Waterfall, the Agile Methodology is gradual and iterative. Here we can afford to change and evolve requirements. This methodology is newer and takes into account the wishes of customers for flexibility and adaptability to changes at any time during the development stage. Customer feedback is taken into account in the next phase of the project and thus reduces the risk of failure. We can define this approach as a client process in which the client is constantly engaged at every stage. Reference: “Agile vs Waterfall Methodology – What are the differences“, https://www.islandjournal.net/agile-vs-waterfall-methodology-differences/
From these comparisons, we can conclude that for each project it is good to consider which approach would be more appropriate. I can say for sure that in projects where there are ambiguities in the requirements at the beginning, it is good to follow the Agile methodology.
If, for example, the upcoming project has a fixed and fixed time frame or budget, it is good to use the model of the Waterfall, which would have more predictable results. Reference: https://projectmanagers.business.blog/
In conclusion, I would like to mention that in today’s pandemic era, the possibility of flexibility in every respect is increasingly being appreciated. This is one of the reasons why Agile is becoming more popular in the world. It is the ability to change a component of the project or even the direction that adds great added value to the business nowadays.
Software development life cycle
We must first clarify what the software development lifecycle is. This is a step-by-step procedure for systematic software development. The Waterfall Method and Agile are part of this life cycle. There are other methods for software development, and according to the requirements, the most appropriate method is chosen. Reference: https://www.businesspad.org/agile-vs-waterfall-difference-between-methodologies/
The life cycle is conducive to structured project management, provides a certain level of control, and defines the roles and responsibilities of team members.
The Waterfall methodology is the earlier of the two methods. As the name suggests, Waterfall is a linear sequential model in which progress flows mainly in one direction. Several phases are distinguished: phase of requirements collection, analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance. Reference: Agile vs Waterfall management methodology, https://www.kosovatimes.net/agile-vs-waterfall-management-methodology/
Only after one phase is completed, you can move on to the next.
- Analysis – in this phase the specification of the requirements are obtained, they are discussed with the development and test and testing team. In this phase, everything must be documented.
- Feasibility study – here the requirements and parameters are analyzed/studied, the available resource is discussed.
- System design – the design of the system is prepared, the hardware, system requirements are specified and the architecture of the application is designed.
- Coding – as the name suggests, this phase begins with the coding and development of the interface. After the coding is completed, tests of the application are made and if the code works well, continue with the next phase.
- Testing – this is the real test activity. Integration testing, system testing, acceptance tests, regression testing, ad hoc testing, research testing, and testing of different browsers are tested.
- Maintenance – in this phase, production problems are monitored and eliminated, memory problems are checked, there is an opportunity to improve the application and to develop new changes in requirements.
In most cases, Waterfall is chosen as a model when the project is small and there is no complexity in technology, no need for change and there are enough resources available. Reference: Waterfall and Incremental model in project management, https://wikipedia-lab.org/waterfall-and-incremental-model-in-project-management/
The model is easy to manage, requires discipline, and planning and implementation are easy. The waterfall is easy to understand and use. It imposes discipline and is a model in which processes and results are well documented.
Opponents of this model use the argument that “waterfall” requires in-depth research. It should also be mentioned that in this model the project is often delayed because the requirements must be known before starting. Delivery times are slow and the customer sees the product only when it is ready. “Waterfall” is a rather inflexible method of software development, in my opinion. There is no room for change.
Agile, unlike its predecessor, is a faster method and the work is done with greater accuracy. In many cases, this model is used in software development. The tasks are short the work is often re-evaluated and the plans are adapted. Reference: Agile vs Waterfall Project Management, https://agileprojectmanagement.home.blog
Scrum developers and testers work in parallel
Here, developers and testers work in parallel. This achieves faster results. Agile is an adaptive and flexible method of creating software. That is why it is preferred by many organizations. Allows changes to be made so that the project can be improved. Reference: Agile, Scrum and Waterfall project management, https://ossalumni.org/agile-scrum-and-waterfall-project-management/
A big plus is the fact that the methodology offers commitment from both stakeholders. The client’s participation in the project helps the developers to get as close as possible to the client’s idea and vision.
The rapid delivery of the finished project leads to increased trust between the two parties, as well as the strong commitment of the team to the project. This methodology focuses on business value and improving the quality of tasks.
The main disadvantage of this software development model is the neglect of documentation.
References
Reference: Comparison of Agile, Scrum and Waterfall project management, https://eduwiki.me/comparison-of-agile-scrum-and-waterall-project-management/
Reference: Waterfall or Agile? What methodology to choose for your project?, https://pm.mba/posts/waterfall-vs-agile/
The methodology of this model is also known as the sequential linear life cycle model. The waterfall model follows in sequential order, so the project development team only moves on to the next phase… https://phron.org/waterfall-and-agile-project-management/
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