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Agile vs. Waterfall: Differences in Software Development

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At the beginning of any software project, teams and organizations have to first deal with
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the question of agile vs. waterfall. Software projects follow a methodology of clearly
defined processes or software development life cycle (SDLC) to ensure the end product
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is of high quality. An SDLC identifies phases and the structured flow from one phase to
another phase. Typically, there are six to seven phases. Agile and waterfall are two
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popular, but very different, SDLC models.

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Waterfall methodology is a traditional model for developing engineering systems and is

originally based on manufacturing and construction industry projects. When applied to
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software development, specialized tasks completed in one phase need to be reviewed and verified before moving to the next
phase. It is a linear and sequential approach, where phases flow downward (waterfalls) to the next.
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Agile methodology is a type of incremental model of software development based on principles that focuses more on people,
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results, collaboration, and flexible responses to change. Instead of planning for the whole project, it breaks down development
work in small increments completed in iterations, or short time frames. Each iteration includes all SDLC phases such that a
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working product is delivered at the end. After several iterations, a new or updated product is released.
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What are the Differences Between Agile and Waterfall?
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Both methodologies can help a development team produce high-quality software. Depending on the specific project requirement,
knowing the difference between agile and waterfall can better equip a team to choose the right process and methods in delivering
a successful software project. Some of the distinct differences are:

Agile is an incremental and iterative approach; Waterfall is a linear and sequential approach.
Agile separates a project into sprints; Waterfall divides a project into phases.
Agile helps complete many small projects; Waterfall helps complete one single project.
Agile introduces a product mindset with a focus on customer satisfaction; Waterfall introduces a project mindset with a focus on successful
project delivery.
Requirements are prepared everyday in Agile, while requirements are prepared once at the start in Waterfall.
Agile allows requirement changes at any time; Waterfall avoids scope changes once the project starts.
Testing is performed concurrently with development in Agile; testing phase comes only after the build phase in Waterfall.
Test teams in Agile can take part in requirements change; test teams in Waterfall do not get involved in requirements change
Agile enables the entire team to manage the project without a dedicated project manager; Waterfall requires a project manager who plays an
essential role in every phase.

What is Agile methodology

Agile methodology is a team-based approach that emphasizes rapid deployment of a functional application with a focus on
customer satisfaction. It defines a time-boxed phase called a sprint with a defined duration of two weeks. At the start of each
sprint, a list of deliverables are prioritized based on customer input. At the end of the sprint, the team and the customer review and
evaluate the work with notes for future sprints. As a methodology based on general principles, more specific methods based on
processes such as Scrum and Kanban are called types of agile methodology.

What are the Bene>ts of Agile?

Some of the known benefits of agile methodology are:

Faster software development life cycle

Predictable schedule in sprints
Customer-focused, resulting in increased customer satisfaction
Flexible in accepting changes
Empowers teams to manage projects
Promotes efficient communications FIND MORE ARTICLES
Ideal for projects with non-fixed funding
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What are the Disadvantages of Agile?

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The following are disadvantages of agile: e-Learning Experience
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Agile requires a high degree of customer involvement, which not all customers are comfortable with or prefer to give.
Agile assumes every team member is completely dedicated to the project, without which weakens the principle of self-management. Best Online Database Application Builders
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A time-boxed iteration may not be enough to accommodate all deliverables, which will require changes in priority and additional sprints that can 1 FEB, 2021
bring up cost.
Agile recommends co-location for efficient communication, which is not always possible. Best Project Management Professional
(PMP) Training for 2021

What is Waterfall methodology? 4 OCT, 2018

Top 10 Main Causes of Project Failure

Waterfall methodology is a sequential approach that divides the SDLC to distinct phases such as requirements gathering, analysis
4 JUN, 2019
and design, coding and unit testing, system and user acceptance testing, and deployment. The next phase can only proceed if the
previous phase has been completed. In between phases, a deliverable is expected or a document is signed off. All phases are
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passed through and completed only once, so all requirements are gathered as much as possible at the start to provide the Plugins
information in creating the plans, schedules, budget, and resources. It is plan-driven, so any changes after the project has started 15 FEB, 2017
would offset the original plan and require a restart.
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What are the Bene>ts of Waterfall? for Mac
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The following are the benefits of waterfall methodology:

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Straightforward planning and designing due to the agreement on deliverables at the start of the project.
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Better design with whole-system approach
Defined scope of work Five Factors That Lead to Successful
Easier costing Projects
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Clear measurements of progress
Defined team roles Best Project Management Software & Tools
Dedicated resources can work in parallel for their specific tasks in 2021
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What are the Disadvantages of Waterfall? Understanding Responsibility Assignment

Newer development methodologies were created because of known disadvantages of waterfall, including: Matrix (RACI Matrix)
28 JAN, 2020

Rigid structure to allow necessary changes

No allowance for uncertainty
Limited customer engagement, resulting in poor satisfaction
Sequential approach is not ideal for a large-sized project where the end result is too far in the future
Testing is done only at the latter phases of the project.

A better way to approach a software development project is to focus first on your business goals. Then teams can choose, adapt,
and even customize to create the best hybrid methods fit for their needs.

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Jose Maria Delos Santos

! Jose is a subject matter expert and member of the writing team for Project-Management.com and Bridge24. He has written
hundreds of articles including project management software reviews, books reviews, training site reviews, and general articles
related to the project management industry.

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