Comparison between Waterfall and Agile

A methodology is a structured set of principles, practices, and processes used to manage and deliver projects. It provides a framework for how work should be planned, executed, monitored, and completed. There are 5 software development methodogy. 1. Waterfall Methodology 2. Spiral Methodology 3. RUP (Rational Unified Process) 4. Agile Methodology Agile and Waterfall are two contrasting software development approaches (Both are totally different from each other): Waterfall is linear, rigid, and documentation-heavy. Agile is iterative, flexible, and feedback-driven. Business analyst should understanding their differences in process, adaptability, risk management, and stakeholder involvement which is very crucial for choosing the right methodology. Waterfall: A sequential model introduced in the 1970s. Each phase (requirements → design → development → testing → deployment) must be completed before moving to the next. If one phase is not completed then next phase cannot be started. Customers are involved mainly at the start (requirements) and end (acceptance). Product is delivered to stakeholder at very last stage. Once Project started, it cannot be changed. There is no chance for changing the requirement, design, etc. It is more focused on Business Requirement Document, Functional Requirement Document which has Functional and Non-Functional Requirement, Software Requirement Specification, etc. Waterfall is like building a house where everything is designed upfront and constructed step by step. Advantages: Only advantage is that waterfall project can be tracked easily and easy for projects which has fixed scope. Waterfall is best for predictable, compliance-heavy projects with fixed scope. Disadvantages: The main drawback is that customers only see the final product at the end, which often leads to dissatisfaction if their needs have evolved during the project. Agile: Formalized in 2001 with the Agile Manifesto. Work is divided into short cycles (sprints), delivering small increments of working software with continuous feedback. Agile works on 4 rules and 12 principles. the Agile methodology is iterative and flexible, focusing on delivering small increments of working software in short cycles called sprints, the duration of sprint is from 2 to 4 week. After completion of sprint, another sprint started. It is more focused on iterative and incremental model.Product delivered on after completion Sprint i.e. 2 weeks. We can change the project requirement even in the late stages. The chances for changes is very high. it is not focused on documentation, it is focused on working software. Agile team is always ready for changes requirement, Working software can be delivered within a week. Agile is mainly used in scope change projects. Agile is ideal for dynamic, customer-focused projects needing speed and adaptability. Advantages: Agile is like designing a product with ongoing customer feedback, improving it incrementally until it meets expectations. Disadvantages: Agile thrives on flexibility and collaboration but requires disciplined teams and stakeholder commitment Agile follow Scrum model which works on 3-5-3 model 3 Roles: Scrum Master, Product Owner and Scrum Team (Scrum team has Developers and Tester , DB Admin) 5 Events: Sprint, Sprinty Planning, Daily Scrum Meeting, Scrum Review and Scrum Retrospective 3 Artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment