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SDLC - Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model was the first Process Model to be introduced. It is also referred to as
a linear-sequential life cycle model. It is very simple to understand and use. In a
waterfall model, each phase must be completed before the next phase can begin and
there is no overlapping in the phases.
The Waterfall model is the earliest SDLC approach that was used for software
development.
The waterfall Model illustrates the software development process in a linear sequential
flow. This means that any phase in the development process begins only if the previous
phase is complete. In this waterfall model, the phases do not overlap.
Waterfall Model - Design
Waterfall approach was first SDLC Model to be used widely in Software Engineering to
ensure success of the project. In "The Waterfall" approach, the whole process of software
development is divided into separate phases. In this Waterfall model, typically, the
outcome of one phase acts as the input for the next phase sequentially.
The following illustration is a representation of the different phases of the Waterfall
Model.
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The sequential phases in Waterfall model are −
Requirement Gathering and analysis − All possible requirements of the
system to be developed are captured in this phase and documented in a
requirement specification document.
System Design − The requirement specifications from first phase are studied in
this phase and the system design is prepared. This system design helps in
specifying hardware and system requirements and helps in defining the overall
system architecture.
Implementation − With inputs from the system design, the system is first
developed in small programs called units, which are integrated in the next phase.
Each unit is developed and tested for its functionality, which is referred to as Unit
Testing.
Integration and Testing − All the units developed in the implementation phase
are integrated into a system after testing of each unit. Post integration the entire
system is tested for any faults and failures.
Deployment of system − Once the functional and non-functional testing is
done; Advertisement
the product is deployed in the customer environment or released into the
market. -
Maintenance − There are some issues which come up in the client environment.
To fix those issues, patches are released. Also to enhance the product some
better versions are released. Maintenance is done to deliver these changes in the
customer environment.
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All these phases are cascaded to each other in which progress is seen as flowing steadily
downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases. The next phase is started only after the
defined set of goals are achieved for previous phase and it is signed off, so the name
"Waterfall Model". In this model, phases do not overlap.
Waterfall Model - Application
Every software developed is different and requires a suitable SDLC approach to be
followed based on the internal and external factors. Some situations where the use of
Waterfall model is most appropriate are −
Requirements are very well documented, clear and fixed.
Product definition is stable.
Technology is understood and is not dynamic.
There are no ambiguous requirements.
Ample resources with required expertise are available to support the product.
The project is short.
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Waterfall Model - Advantages
The advantages of waterfall development are that it allows for departmentalization and
control. A schedule can be set with deadlines for each stage of development and a
product can proceed through the development process model phases one by one.
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Development moves from concept, through design, implementation, testing, installation,
troubleshooting, and ends up at operation and maintenance. Each phase of development
proceeds in strict order.
Some of the major advantages of the Waterfall Model are as follows −
Simple and easy to understand and use
Easy to manage due to the rigidity of the model. Each phase has specific
deliverables and a review process.
Phases are processed and completed one at a time.
Works well for smaller projects where requirements are very well understood.
Clearly defined stages.
Well understood milestones.
Easy to arrange tasks.
Process and results are well documented.
Waterfall Model - Disadvantages
The disadvantage of waterfall development is that it does not allow much reflection or
revision. Once an application is in the testing stage, it is very difficult to go back and
change something that was not well-documented or thought upon in the concept stage.
The major disadvantages of the Waterfall Model are as follows −
No working software is produced until late during the life cycle.
High amounts of risk and uncertainty.
Not a good model for complex and object-oriented projects.
Poor model for long and ongoing projects.
Not suitable for the projects where requirements are at a moderate to high risk of
changing. So, risk and uncertainty is high with this process model.
It is difficult to measure progress within stages.
Cannot accommodate changing requirements.
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Adjusting scope during the life
- cycle can end a project.
Integration is done as a "big-bang. at the very end, which doesn't allow
identifying any technological or business bottleneck or challenges early.
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