Website design By BotEap.comOne of the most famous and widely used approaches to software development is the waterfall model. The waterfall approach is an old technique that has been in use for quite some time, but in modern times the agile approach is gaining prominence.

Website design By BotEap.comThe waterfall approach, as the name implies, refers to a systematic approach in which one step follows another. It cannot go the other way around. The process works like the cascading effect that flows in only one direction, which is from the top to the bottom.

Website design By BotEap.comIn this process the life cycle of the development process is predetermined. All steps are defined before the start of the project. The approach is predictive, where the team is well aware of the order of each step and therefore works accordingly. It starts from the requirements analysis, design phase and then continues with the implementation, testing and maintenance phases.

Website design By BotEap.comThe waterfall approach can be quite beneficial for those who are very clear about their requirements. A planned approach works for them because they want fixed processes and budget. Where fixed processes are beneficial, at the same time they can be inconvenient at times. In cases where the client is unclear on the requirements and finds in the middle of the project that they want to change course, this approach can be quite problematic.

Website design By BotEap.comAnother point of the waterfall approach is that the requirements analysis and the design of the architectural structure can be very time consuming. Initially, a thorough investigation is carried out, since the following phases are completely dependent on the planning strategy. However, the good thing is that everything is thoroughly worked out and every aspect is studied beforehand. Developers in such cases know what is expected of them.

Website design By BotEap.comA waterfall approach works in a systematic order, with one step following another and the testing phase coming last. If big problems are found in the testing phase, it means a long process to make amends. The process can consume extra time and money.

Website design By BotEap.comWe cannot conclude that one approach is better than the other, as each method would have its own strengths and weaknesses. Determining the success of each method depends on how it is used and whether the approach fits the scope of work being performed. While one approach may be suitable for a particular project, it can become totally useless in different circumstances. For example, some believe that agile methods are not suitable for offshore development, as they require closer contact and communication that is not possible in an offshore project.