Agile vs. Waterfall: Pros & Cons

Published On - January 15, 2019

Radwa shawky Agile
agile vs waterfall

Many people get confused about the two prominent development methodologies, so in this blog post we will run a brutal battle “Agile vs. Waterfall”. Undertaking any development process needs a decision regarding following an exact methodology, so the difficulties lie in choosing the most suitable one for your project; if you are asking about the meaning of Software Development Methodology, you need to know that it is the framework you choose to select in approaching, planning, and organizing any development work.

Waterfall and Agile are the two main yet reliable methodologies for developing software products. Although they considered as Software development methodologies, they sometimes applied under the project management ones. Both have the same purpose that is to find a way to finish the project at the least time with a high-quality level, but they vary in executing it.

 

Definition

  • The Waterfall Methodology that is also known as Liner Sequential Life Cycle Model is the traditional way of developing software as it is a sequential and rigid approach to managing the software process. The developer divides in the Waterfall method the developing process into a series of milestones or events that begins with the documentation to product delivery. The team cannot move to the next phase unless they finish the previous step.
  • The Agile Methodology is newer than the waterfall model that follows an incremental way of finishing tasks. In this method, Developing and testing are concurrent and in a continuous iteration, unlike the Waterfall method. It also depends on the collaboration between the team members and the end-users. It also allows the changes during the development cycle without affecting the progress of the process.agile vs waterfall

Agile vs. Waterfall Project Management

Pros and Cons of Waterfall

 

Pros Cons
  • The process is methodical and well documented.
  • It is an easy method as it is well and clearly structured and depends on finishing each phase separately that helps in concentrating on each one with its specific requirements and deliverables.
  • Its end goal is determined from the beginning.
  • No need for the interfere of the customers. Once the plan is in place, no need for the customer presence until the review phase takes place.
  • Making changes is very hard.
  • It excludes the end-user from the process as it concentrates on helping the team members on moving efficiently through the phases.
  • It delays the testing phase until the end of the process after completing all the previous ones.


Pros and Cons of Agile

Pros Cons
  • The ability to change anything along the way as it is a flexible approach to development.
  • It involves the customers in the process; everything depends on the collaboration between the team and the end-users.
  • It follows the simplicity in achieving, not the complexity that affects the team performance.
  • The process is incremental, so the team and customers will always be aware of what is complete and what is not.
  • The testing is almost in every phase.
  • It requires a high level of communication between the team members, so it will be hard on the ones who work in different places to communicate efficiently.
  • The whole process requires commitment from the development team; it might be difficult on some companies as they have other projects going.
  • It may require a higher cost than the waterfall method.
  • Its deadline often is longer.

Now, I have come to the end of Agile vs. Waterfall blog post. I have tried to summarize all you need to know about them both. If you need to know more about Agile, we created a category for this purpose. We also would like to know your point of view regarding the pros and cons of both Waterfall and Agile