Agile Vs. Waterfall

Waterfall Vs Agile Introduction to Software methodologies: Software development requires a structured approach to ensure the product meet stake holders and end users requirement. There are many software development methodologies as Water fall model, V Model, Spiral Model, Agile Model, Scrum, Iterative, Devops model Etc., However, Waterfall and agile are only 2 methodologies widely used for software development. Deciding which methodology to use is the crucial step before starting the development. Each approach has its own advantages and limitations. Understanding the difference between these models will help organizations choose the most appropriate model for their projects. Waterfall Model: Waterfall model is a sequential software development approach; it is simple and easily understandable. In this model, each phase needs to be completed before starting the next phase. Review will be done at the end of each phase to understand if the project is going as per the plan and will be useful to decide weather or not to continue for next phase. Since it is easy and simple to understand, it is best suitable for small projects and where there is no change in the requirements. This model will not be useful for long and ongoing projects where scope can not be adjusted during the software lifecycle. Risk is high as the working software is developed at the end of the project. Artifacts used in these projects are Business Case Documents, BRD, FRD, SRS, RTM. Agile Methodology: Agile is an iterative and incremental modern software development approach where the software developed in small cycles called iterations or sprints. Agile model works on core agile principles as collaboration, delivering working software frequently, individuals and interactions over process and tools and welcoming change at any stage of the project. There are different frameworks in agile such as Scrum, Kanban, and extreme programming. However, widely used framework is Scrum. In scrum framework, software is developed in small iterations called sprints. Each sprint generally lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. In every sprint small portion of project is designed, developed, tested and delivered. Feedback can be collected from stakeholders after each sprint and it will e useful to improve in the next sprint. Agile emphasis on collaboration among the team members. Product owners, developers’ testers scrum masters, business analyst work closely together throughout the project. Regular meetings like daily standup meetings, sprint retrospective meeting, sprint review meetings conducted during every sprint. One of the biggest advantages of the agile model is its flexibility. Changes can be adopted at any stage during software lifecycle. Because of that feature, it is best suited for long and dynamic projects where the requirements are changing frequently. Agile model also has few limitations as this model requires experienced and skilled resources as it works on team collaboration and active stake holders’ participation. Without proper communication and planning agile projects may face scope expansion or lack of clear documentation. Waterfall Vs Agile: There are several differences between Waterfall and Agile models. Waterfall follows linear and sequential process where as Agile works on iterative and incremental approach. Requirements are finalized at the beginning of the project in waterfall model and requirements may evolve throughout project development lifecycle. Another major difference is product is delivered at the end of the project in waterfall model however, working software is released at the end of each sprint in agile. Agile model works on stakeholder collaboration and continuous feedback whereas customer interaction is limited to Requirement and delivery phases in water fall model. Because of its flexibility agile model is widely used in modern software development projects however, waterfall is still used in small and compliance driven projects where the requirements are stable and outcome is well defined. Conclusion: Both waterfall and agile methodologies have their own strengths and weaknesses. Waterfall provides a structured and disciplined approach suitable for the projects where the requirements are stable and outcome is defined whereas agile offers flexibility and adaptability making it ideal for modern software projects where requirements may change frequently. For business Analysts understanding both the models is important because approach used can influence the requirement gathering and documentation process throughout the project lifecycle. Selecting correct approach ultimately depends on project scope, stakeholder requirements, team structure and business needs.