scrumagilesblog

[scrumagilesblog]

No, Agile Methodology and Waterfall Model are different. Waterfall Model is the first framework that was used to solve the complex issues in a project with the main focus to get the end product exactly same as projected at the very beginning. Agile was developed to ensure that the product was relevant throughout the process by making required changes as per the likes of the customer. Waterfall is very rigid in nature while Agile is a flexible framework with main aim of satisfying the customer.

[scrumagilesblog]

In software engineering, the process of dividing the work into smaller, sequential or parallel strategic themes or sub-processes for improvisation of design is known as Software Development Model. Software Development model is actually an umbrella term used for a bunch of methodologies/frameworks that are used to complete a project. Each methodology has its own principles and set of rules that is implemented to get the final products. The main focus of any model is to produce best quality products.

[scrumagilesblog]

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATERFALL AND AGILE DEVELOPMENT MODELS

SDLC or Software Development Lifecycle Models are various kinds of Methodologies/Framework/Processes that are used to complete a project with efficiency. There are a number of Models that have their own way of functioning, advantages and drawbacks. Each model works in phases/stages to achieve the ultimate goal. Selection of best suitable model for the project is a critical decision as it impacts the whole process right from testing to completion. Choosing the wrong model for a project may not give successful or satisfactory results to customers. Different development models are as follows-

V- Model

Waterfall Development Model

Agile Methodology

Incremental Model

Iterative Model

What is Agile Methodology or Development Model?

This is one of the most common and popular models in the market used by the developers in the projects. In this model, the whole work process into smaller stages called Sprints which can be changed as per requirements even during the process. The end customer or client is actively involved throughout the process and check the progress of the project, also suggesting any changes if needed. Some of the frameworks in Agile Model are-

Kanban

Scrum Methodology

Crystal

Lean Software Development

Feature Driven Development (FDD)

Extreme Programming (XP)

Dynamic Software Development Method (DSDM)

What is Waterfall Development Model?

The Waterfall Development model is the oldest among all the models with a sequential and linear approach towards the projects. The model is designed in a strategic theme manner where the next stage only begins only after the completion of the preceding stage. This model is based on the phases defined by computer scientist Winston W. Royce; they are-

Analysis and Requirements

Design

Implementation

Testing and Integration

Operation

Waterfall Development Model VS Agile Development Model

The model has to be chosen keeping the requirements, advantages and disadvantages of project and model in consideration. Discussing about the two models Waterfall and Agile, both are common in practice due to their features and success rate. Let’s look at the comparison below to come at a conclusion-

Industry of Origin- The Waterfall model has its root in Infrastructure and engineering whereas Agile Methodology was first used in Software Development.

Customer Participation- Agile model has active participation of customer/owner/clients in the process but in Waterfall model clients are involved only during the last phase.

Focus- the main focus in Waterfall is delivery of the products that match the initial requirements. On the other hand Agile focuses on customer satisfaction through continuous changes in the process as per the requirements.

Framework- Waterfall model has some frameworks named Wagile, Sashimi, Incremental Waterfall, etc. Agile model has some popular frameworks- Kanban, Scrum Methodology, Crystal, Lean, etc.

Pros- Waterfall model can be used in large projects where the requirements are specified and Agile enables to make continuous changes.

Cons- A lot of documentation and minimal customer involvement are the disadvantages of Waterfall and in Agile estimation of delivery time is difficult.