Water Fall and Agile Methodology:

 Waterfall is a Linear Sequential Life Cycle Model, whereas Agile is a continuous

iteration of development and testing in the software development process.
 In Agile vs Waterfall difference, the Agile methodology is known for its flexibility,
whereas Waterfall is a structured software development methodology.
 Comparing the Waterfall methodology vs Agile, which follows an incremental
approach, whereas the Waterfall is a sequential design process.
 Agile performs testing concurrently with software development, whereas in Waterfall
methodology, testing comes after the “Build” phase.
 Agile allows changes in project development requirements, whereas Waterfall has no
scope of changing the requirements once the project development starts.

Advantages of Waterfall Model

 It is one the easiest model to manage. Because of its nature, each phase has specific
deliverables and a review process.
 It works well for smaller size projects where requirements are easily understandable.
 Faster delivery of the project
 Process and results are well documented.
 Easily adaptable method for shifting teams
 This project management methodology is beneficial to manage dependencies.

Limitations of Waterfall Model

 It is not an ideal model for a large size project

 If the requirement is not clear at the beginning, it is a less effective method.
 Very difficult to move back to makes changes in the previous phases.
 The testing process starts once development is over. Hence, it has high chances of
bugs to be found later in development where they are expensive to fix.

Advantages of the Agile Model

 It is focused client process. So, it makes sure that the client is continuously involved
during every stage.
  Agile teams are extremely motivated and self-organized so it likely to provide a better
result from the development projects.
 Agile software development method assures that quality of the development is
maintained
 The process is completely based on the incremental progress. Therefore, the client
and team know exactly what is complete and what is not. This reduces risk in the
development process.

Limitations of Agile Model

 It is not useful method for small development projects.

 It requires an expert to take important decisions in the meeting.
 Cost of implementing an agile method is little more compared to other development
methodologies.
 The project can easily go off track if the project manager is not clear what outcome
he/she wants.

Below is a difference between Agile and Waterfall methodologies:

Agile Waterfall
It separates the project development lifecycle into Software development process is divided into distinct
sprints. phases.
It follows an incremental approach Waterfall methodology is a sequential design process.
Waterfall is a structured software development
Agile methodology is known for its flexibility.
methodology so most times it can be quite rigid.
Agile can be considered as a collection of many different Software development will be completed as one single
projects. project.
Agile is quite a flexible method which allows changes to
There is no scope of changing the requirements once the
be made in the project development requirements even
project development starts.
if the initial planning has been completed.
Agile methodology, follow an iterative development
All the project development phases like designing,
approach because of this planning, development,
development, testing, etc. are completed once in the
prototyping and other software development phases
Waterfall model.
may appear more than once.
Test plan is reviewed after each sprint The test plan is rarely discussed during the test phase.
Agile development is a process in which the The method is ideal for projects which have definite
requirements are expected to change and evolve. requirements and changes not at all expected.
In Agile methodology, testing is performed concurrently In this methodology, the “Testing” phase comes after the
Agile Waterfall
with software development. “Build” phase
Agile introduces a product mindset where the software
This model shows a project mindset and places its focus
product satisfies needs of its end customers and changes
completely on accomplishing the project.
itself as per the customer’s demands.
Agile methdology works exceptionally well with Time &
Reduces risk in the firm fixed price contracts by getting
Materials or non-fixed funding. It may increase stress in
risk agreement at the beginning of the process.
fixed-price scenarios.
Prefers small but dedicated teams with a high degree of
Team coordination/synchronization is very limited.
coordination and synchronization.
Products owner with team prepares requirements just Business analysis prepares requirements before the
about every day during a project. beginning of the project.
Test team can take part in the requirements change It is difficult for the test to initiate any change in
without problems. requirements.
Description of project details can be altered anytime Detail description needs to implement waterfall software
during the SDLC process. development approach.
The Agile Team members are interchangeable, as a
In the waterfall method, the process is always
result, they work faster. There is also no need for project
straightforward so, project manager plays an essential
managers because the projects are managed by the
role during every stage of SDLC.
entire team