Do you think that the success of a software development is closely tied to the chosen software development life cycle approach?
Yes, it is right.
Among the different software development methodologies, Agile methodology and Waterfall methodology are the most popular SDLC methodologies.
The tough choice of choosing the right software development methodology is the same with software development teams who are always looking out for the right development approach for different projects and businesses.
Agile Methodology
Agile methodology refers to the continuous iteration of development and testing during the entire software development process. This Agile model increases communication among clients, developers, and QA Testers. Agile is an iterative approach to software development. It is a distinct type of Rapid Application Development Model.
When you select Agile is your development methodology, your project is divided into phases called sprints. Every sprint has a defined duration typically in weeks with a list of deliverables that were planned during the start of the sprint. Normally the sprint will be 14 days duration.
The Agile methodology confirms subsequently to a high level of customer involvement throughout the entire software development process.
There will be cases when the planned work for a particular sprint can’t be completed due to some reasons then the work will be added in the upcoming sprint. The entire completed work is evaluated and reviewed by both the development team and the client.
Waterfall Methodology
Waterfall methodology is also known as the traditional model to software development, the waterfall model follows a linear approach to software development. Most of the companies still use this model for the development process.
Waterfall model is a linear approach to software development. In this methodology, the sequence of events is something like:
- Requirements Gathering.
- Planning and Analysis.
- Designing.
- Coding.
- Testing.
- Implementation and Support.
The Waterfall Model follows a sequential approach, hence the project development team can only move on to the next stage if the previous phase was completed.
Pro’s of waterfall Model.
Developers and clients will agree on what will be delivered early in the development lifecycle. This makes planning and designing more straightforward.
Development Progress can be easily measured, as the full scope of the project work is known in advance.
Requirements will be gathered from the client, once requirements gathering is completed, designing phase will start. In waterfall each phase will start once the previous phase is completed.
Conclusion:
Agile and Waterfall methodologies are mostly used in the software development.
So, if the project has uncertain requirements, then agile methodology will be the ideal model. On the other side, if you have smaller software development projects with known requirements, then you can go with the Waterfall model.