Agile vs Waterfall Differences in Software Development Methodologies

Agile vs Waterfall Software Development Methodologies Differences

Every development methodology has it’s pros and cons. Selection of best development methodology is based on work status and team standard. Most commonly used development methodologies are Waterfall and Agile. Both methodologies have their advantages and disadvantages.

Waterfall development is an uninterrupted series of events from conception to production. While
Agile is a flexible, team-basic, iterative approach to lean production. Both processes can be used for project development, just in different ways.

What are Agile and Waterfall methodologies

Let’s start from the basics of those methodologies, we describe bellow the pros and cons of Agile and Waterfall.

What is Waterfall?

Waterfall is a sequential (step by step) process methodology where project is broken into stages which are completed in a sequence. You must need to complete first phase before proceeding to another one.
There are eight step in every waterfall development process. In waterfall methodology developer goes further step by step. These eight steps are listed here :

  • Conception.
  • Initiation.
  • Design.
  • Construction.
  • Implementation.
  • maintenance.

What is Agile?

In Agile, development is divided into small iterations which are called sprints. This is a better development methodology due to its continuous planning, testing, integration, risk evaluation and control on the progress of the project and thereupon reduces the chances of project failure.

This methodology is one step forward than waterfall. Agile methodology was created after facing the lot of disadvantages of waterfall in many procedures. Rather than working in sequential design like waterfall, agile work in incremental (Regular series) approach.

In Agile, a project is converted into small parts known as sprints. Each sprint can be completed using waterfall steps. Like, Conception, Initiation, Analysis, Design, Construction, Testing, Implementation and finally maintenance.
This is the point where we can say that Agile is just like micro waterfall, as in each sprint we go through steps which we go through during a project in waterfall.

Advantages and disadvantages of Agile vs Waterfall

Advantages of Waterfall

Waterfall methodology is like a complex record keeping methodology. These records help a lot in future programs.

  • Waterfall is a sequential and well structured process.
  • It is a simple and easy development model to understand and use.
  • It is not changeable at any step and is easy to manage because of its consistency.
  • Requirements are very clear and easy to apprehend even before development.
  • Each divided part is completed in specified time period.
  • Implementation is easy because of linear pattern.
  • Less amount of resources are required to use waterfall model.
  • Development quality is better because of proper documentation.
  • Suitable for processes where backlog changing is not required.
  • This process needs clearly defined requirements.
  • In Waterfall clients know about the size, cost and timeline of projects.
  • Clients have a clear idea about program output.
  • Due to strong documentation any kind of employee turnover will not affect the project.
  • This methodology is very helpful to manage dependencies.

Advantages of Agile

Agile means “moving quickly indicating the dynamic approach of Agile.

  • Agile is a flexible methodology.
  • Agile is very accommodative to changes.
  • Agile methodology caters the ever changing requirements.
  • Its rapid delivery helps to satisfy customers.
  • There is no guesswork between development team and customer.
  • It includes continuous inputs from the client and face to face communication.
  • It is highly collaborative development process.
  • It is a continuous improvements process.
  • Requirements are expected to evolve and change in this process.
  • It has rapid deployment for work.
  • Its phases are well-processed and completed once at a time.
  • This process helps to measure the progress by the amount of completed work.
  • This is a constantly improving process since changes can be made during the process.
  • It helps you to deliver exactly according to client’s expectation.
  • It is easy to add up-to-date features in program at any time.
  • Project priorities are evaluated at the end of every sprint, which help client to add their feedback about product.
  • In Agile bugs are solved in each sprint, so there are very less chances that you face any error in the end of development cycle.
  • This methodology helps to launch program at any level.
  • Teams get self motivated due to cross functionality.
  • Tracing progress is very easy in this methodology.
  • Structured backlog helps to monitor progress.

Disadvantages of Waterfall Methodology

  • In waterfall one phase problems are never solved completely during that phase and in fact many other problems regarding a particular phase arise after the phase is signed off, which results in badly structured system.
  • This process did not allow you to implement any changes during the current development process.
  • Implementation can only be tested once you have completed the project.
  • This is not a good model for object-oriented and complex projects.
  • Waterfall is a poor development model for ongoing and long projects.
  • A high amount of risk and uncertainty is prevalent in waterfall model.
  • There are no chances for mistakes.
  • Some team members stay idle for long durations.
  • Waterfall depends of initial requirements, if these requirements are faulty then the whole project is failed.
  • In this methodology whole project is tested in the end. If a bug is found in testing then there are chances that whole team would have to start program from beginning.
  • It’s too much costly to make any changes in program.
  • It has lack of team management and team motivation.
  • Tracing progress is too difficult in this methodology.
  • Whole project is completes in a sequence, so there are no chances to launch program earlier.
  • Team is not utilized fully in this methodology, because work is already assigned.
  • It’s too hard to handle and complete complex and large programs using this methodology.
  • Usually this technique is costly due to replanning costs.

Disadvantages of Agile Methodology

  • If the project manager is not experienced, then project can become a large series of sprints, and come in late and over budget.
  • This is a less predictable process about projects output (final product isn’t defined clearly).
    It is very hard for the client to handover the project to any other Vendor for more development or any maintenance.
  • Final project can be different from initial plan.
  • Frequent complaints for every small reason can mentally disturb developers.
  • For the completion of project every team member should be open minded and communicative.
  • Product owner and scrum master is highly pressurised in this methodology.
  • Sometimes managing the backlog itself becomes too much.

Which is best Methodology: Agile or Waterfall?

Agile:

In Agile rapid production is more important than product quality. Client can change project scope. Final picture of project is not clear. This methodology is more useful when you have skilled developers, who can think independently and capable of adapting every tough project. Rapidly changing standards industries prefer to use this methodology.

Waterfall:

It is good If you have a clear picture of your final product and clients give their complete requirements. In this methodology quality is more important than speed.