Waterfall Vs. Agile

Modern businesses use project management to accomplish their project goals. In this regard, two methodologies are used for their distinct approaches: the Waterfall methodology vs the Agile methodology. However, the waterfall model vs agile model represents a contrasting approach in project planning, execution, and deliverables. Waterfall is applicable for a small team working on a simple project, where each phase of the project is completed in a sequence before moving to the next step. In contrast, Agile is a more flexible approach that allows continuous improvement and adaptation throughout the project lifecycle. Waterfall vs Agile signifies that both methods are helpful but have some limitations. Agile is gaining popularity as it helps scale and manage multiple projects with a complex structure. It helps develop collaboration among the IT, development, and marketing teams. At the same time, waterfall is inefficient for software development industries. 

This article delves into the core concept of agile vs waterfall and explores the agile vs waterfall difference along with their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we will explain the use of a hybrid model and its effectiveness in enhancing the reader's understanding of the concept.

What is the Waterfall Methodology?

The Waterfall Method is among the earliest Software Development Life Cycle approaches to software development. The Waterfall model is a collection of several phases that must be completed to begin the next phase.

Therefore, it follows a linear, sequential format for predictable and recurring processes. It also delays the product delivery process. Thus, any missed deadline or score can negatively impact the product release. Another drawback of waterfall methodology is that it prevents the previous technical debt from being fixed when working on the next phase.

Advantages  of Waterfall Methodology

The method prioritizes the comprehensive documentation process over the delivery of the product.  Let’s discuss the agile vs waterfall pros and cons. Therefore, using the waterfall methodology has multiple benefits, such as: 

• Easy to comprehend: It is a simple process that follows a linear sequence of steps, enabling the team to understand the project requirements.

• Predictability: It offers predictability regarding the project scope, budget, and timelines. Team members are determined about the things at the beginning of the project. 

• Documentation: The process demands extensive project requirements documentation that can help with future maintenance.

• Designing phase: This phase is more methodical and well-structured.

• Project phase: It helps define the team's work dependency.

Disadvantages of Waterfall Methodology

Apart from some advantages, it has multiple disadvantages that prevent the organization's optimal growth. 

• Lack of flexibility: This rigid methodology makes accepting changes during the product development process difficult.

• Cause delay: This methodology requires each phase to be completed before proceeding to the next step, ultimately delaying the delivery process.

• Client involvement: Most importantly, the waterfall methodology does not include clients in the product development process. Therefore, it increases the risk of customer dissatisfaction and misses the project goal.

• Risk of time waste: As customer feedback is not considered during the development process, the  product can be devastating for customers and risk the efforts in vain.

What is Agile?

The Agile methodology involves promoting continuous development, iteration, and testing in the software development lifecycle. This particular project is split into sprints. Every sprint of the Agile methodologies has its defined duration and a list of planned deliverables.

The project team in Agile can review the work with daily builds and sprint demos. The Agile process further ensures the rapid delivery of all the functional components of the project. This process has a very high level of customer involvement throughout every project.

Advantages of Agile Methodology

Agile is best for its flexibility and adaptability. However, using Agile can bring multiple benefits like:

• Provide flexibility: It is a flexible methodology that allows the team to make changes at any point of product development.

• Efficiency: It allows the development team to deliver the product in small and incremental stages. 

• Client involvement: The process incorporates the clients feedback in project development and increases the customer satisfaction.

• Better visibility & accountability: Agile will help to identify the problem and solve the problem quickly. It improves customer satisfaction and team collaboration. 

Disadvantages of Agile Methodology

When we consider Waterfall vs agile, then we found that agile is more advantageous compared to waterfall. Still it has few drawbacks like:

• Complexity: It is a complex approach that requires skills and knowledge in managing the project.

• Lack of predictability: The methodology does not pre-determine the project scope, timelines and budget. 

• Less documentation: The process follows less documentation which creates problems in future for updates and maintenance.

• Dependencies: Agile has many dependencies and it is considered a costly methodology.

Waterfall Vs. Agile: How to Choose the Right Methodology?

Agile vs waterfall comparison will help you differentiate between the two methods. This will also help you eventually choose the best methodology for your project. The following table further identifies the differences between Waterfall and Agile to showcase which works better in a particular situation. Check out the agile vs waterfall comparison table:
 

Also, explore: Scrum vs. Waterfall

When is Waterfall Better Than Agile?

Waterfall methodology vs agile which one is better. Let us understand the situations when a Waterfall model is better than Agile:

• Rigidity over Flexibility: Banks, manufacturing, and defense industries need a rigid structure. This accounts for their initial requirements, which also include security. Such fields may benefit from the Waterfall model.
• Documentation Over Working Software: Waterfall models can help if your project requires comprehensive documentation. The rigid structure associated with these methodologies makes documents more efficient.
• Compartmentalization over Collaboration: Waterfall models often encourage isolation between departments and stakeholders. So, Waterfall is more beneficial if you do not need to collaborate with your clients.

Also, check:  Why Agile methodology is better than Waterfall

Can You Combine Agile and Waterfall?

Waterfall model vs agile model which one is better for you, it depends on your organization's goal. However, some organizations have blended Agile and waterfall to make a hybrid model known as Agifall model. It combines the features of the both models and implements Agile methodologies into the existing waterfall model.

Using Agifall has some benefits like accelerating the project speed, reducing the cost of production, and improving the quality of the product. Moreover, it has the flexibility of Agile and clarity of waterfall. The process does not wait for a phase to end before working on the other one. In most cases, the planning phase comes before the development phase. However, Agifall lets you work on some parts of the project while the planning phase is still going on. On the other hand, in this hybrid process, if you recognize which component is necessary for product development, you can start working on that in the planning phase also. Multiple phases can run parallel in this model. 

However, the success of a hybrid model depends on the skill of the project manager, and how to customize the process for better output. Most importantly, the hybrid model allows you to determine the project scope as it follows the waterfall features and incorporates customers in the development process as per Agile.  

Therefore, teams need to be willing to try new things and be open to change. People on the team might not see a reason to change if they don't know much about the new process or only think of Agile as a buzzword. If project managers want to mix Waterfall and Agile, they need to help people understand each other and get teams and organizations to think about the best ways to do things.

Conclusion

Waterfall vs agile are both helpful in the product development process. Nonetheless, choosing a waterfall model vs agile completely depends on project objectives. Thus, the waterfall model vs agile suggested that waterfall offers a structural planning and stable requirement for completing the project. While, Agile offers flexibility, continuous improvement and faster delivery. It is important to think about the project scope, timeline, team dynamics, and customer feedback when making a choice. Both methodologies have their pros and cons, you need  to understand your specific needs. In this regard, PMP certification can help you to manage the project more efficiently. Globally multiple project managers are seeking Simpliaxis’s help for their professional certification. You can check out our website for professional courses to make your career smooth and growing.