In the race of the digital landscape, having high-quality software is essential for business growth. Leveraging the Waterfall software development methodology, as it provides a structured and linear approach for business software development. As this approach allows businesses to stand ahead of all.
The Waterfall methodology is well-suited for businesses, as it has provided a disciplined and well-documented development process. From its introduction to today, the approach has been a cornerstone in various industrial project management.
In this Methodology, each project phase is well-defined and represents a milestone in the project timeline, allowing for transparent planning and management and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Understanding Waterfall software development Methodology
This Methodology is one of the oldest that followers the most traditional approaches in software development. Following the linear and sequential model, each phase development process is completed before the period of moving to the next phase. The waterfall Methodology cascades downwards just as a "waterfall."
In the past years, Waterfall Methodology has been rapaciously used in many software developments with flexible and iterative approaches like Agile Methodology and Scrum methodology. This Methodology suits to handle the dynamic nature of software projects and changing requirements.
3 Principal of Waterfall Methodology
Sequential Approach
The sequential approach is followed by Waterfall methodology the technique ensures that each phase is finished in a predetermined order and that progress is constant from one phase to the next. Phases cannot overlap, and you must finish each one before going on to the next.
Comprehensive Project Documentation
The waterfall methodology is very strong in emphasizing documentation. At every phase, detailed project documentation includes design, specific requirements, and testing.
Limited Customer Involvement
In the initial phase of the waterfall methodology, customer involvement is higher, but as the project progresses, there is a decrease. The positive aspect is that the project development team can carry these out on its own.
Advantages of Waterfall Software Methodology
Uses clear structure
These phases of a Waterfall approach include data gathering, testing, design, implementation, and deployment. Each stage provides a set of deliverables that makes it simple to track progress and spot possible problems.
Clear milestones and deliverables
With the waterfall methodology, tracking progress and spotting any delays or departures from the original plan is simpler since their milestones and deliverables are clearly defined.
Easier project management
The Waterfall Methodology is difficult to handle, especially for straightforward projects. Therefore, the project manager may efficiently organize and distribute resources based on the previously established needs and schedule.
The Disadvantage of the Waterfall Software Methodology
Lack of flexibility
As we know, Waterfall is a linear and sequential technique; therefore, it is difficult to go back and make changes after a phase is complete. This can be difficult to handle while dealing with the customer's demands or unanticipated problems during development.
Lengthy development cycles
waterfall is linear in nature, where each step must be finished before going to the next level. This leads to time-consuming development cycles, and this can delay the release of the finished product onto the market.
Higher risk of project failure
Waterfall projects include extensive advance preparation; therefore, any errors or omissions during the initial requirements and design phases might cause serious problems later on. It would be difficult to resolve a serious issue that is found too late; this can be expensive and time-consuming.
Difficulties in early risk identification
In the Waterfall Model, the majority of the risk evaluation and mitigation is done at the time of planning. It can be difficult to anticipate the potential risk, which could lead to major risks later.
High documentation overhead
Waterfall heavily depends on documentation at every level, this can be time-consuming, and with this, there will be an increase in cost. Excessive documentation may block development, and this can lead to slow processing.
Summary
Waterfall software development methodology has its benefits, but the disadvantages are very savage. This is one of the reasons why the Waterfall methodology can't be compatible with the Agile methodology. As a result, it might be beneficial to use Agile Methodologies in the software development process. To get the maximum benefits of Agile methodology, connect to the best software consulting company and get guidance to implement the Agile strategies and methods in software development.
