Waterfall vs. Agile: Which Method is Right for Your Software Project?

Waterfall vs. Agile: It’s a decision every software team has considered. The two are development methodologies that are used when creating custom software. If you’re asking yourself whether you should choose Waterfall vs. Agile, it depends.

There are several key differences between Agile and Waterfall, so choosing one methodology for your project relies on knowing the project’s requirements.

Let’s talk about the differences to help you decide between Agile vs. Waterfall.

Waterfall vs. Agile: The Traditional Approach

When choosing Waterfall vs. Agile, you unlock one of the most “tried and true” methodologies amongst software developers and QA teams. Eight pre-created stages require heavy documentation.

Typically, this means no surprises develop along the cycle as each stage must be completed before moving on to the next.

The 8 stages are:

• Conception
• Initiation
• Analysis
• Design
• Construction
• Testing
• Implementation
• Maintenance

This model’s straightforward approach makes it a popular choice, specifically when a client is under a strict budget or timeline. However, there are some challenges when choosing Waterfall vs. Agile:

• It is hard to think through an entire software design on paper. Plus, Waterfall doesn’t allow for intermediate stages of feedback.
• The waterfall process can take months or years to complete, and there isn’t an opportunity to change the software if the needs of the business change during this time.
• Vagueness in the requirements made by the development team is typically not caught until the product is done, making it expensive to fix.

How is Agile Different vs. Waterfall?

Does the name give it away? When choosing the Agile methodology vs. Waterfall, your team can leverage nimbleness from the start of any project. It’s one of the biggest Agile methodology benefits.

When choosing Agile vs. Waterfall, there is less effort spent on upfront requirements gathering and design, and more effort on developing the most important features first, getting feedback as soon as possible, and adjusting along the way.

The software features are itemized based on the needs of the user. For every task that the user needs to accomplish using the software, a user story is written.

Work is then broken down into short “sprints.” For each sprint, you will prioritize the user stories, and the team will develop and test them in a 2-week timeframe.

Finally, the development will be shown to you. Based on your feedback, you repeat the prioritization, development, and test cycle until the product is delivered.

Where Agile Plays A Role

At the end of the day, delivering the product you want in a reasonable budget and timeframe is more important than spending time debating the differences between Waterfall and Agile.

What you do need to know when choosing Agile vs. Waterfall is whether your team can:

• Deliver demos of the code to you as soon as possible.
• Provide the flexibility to change requirements and design as the project progresses.
• Allow you to prioritize the development of the most important features.
• Provide frequent budget updates to help you control costs and make sure the final product is completed with the proper funds.

Following a methodology like Agile instead of Waterfall does not necessarily guarantee better software. Projects can fail with Agile as they can with Waterfall.

The success of your project depends on how well your team understands your requirements, knows how to use technology to build quality software, takes in your input, is flexible to your changing needs, and can execute using a reliable process.

Waterfall vs. Agile: Which Methodology is Better?

Waterfall and Agile are both equally valuable but in different situations. Teams that work on client projects are always well-versed in both. How one is chosen widely depends on the project and the client’s requirements. Choosing the right one typically isn’t difficult as the project manager will be able to decipher which would be the best fit for the project.

If you’re looking to complete projects on a faster scale, it’s probably in your best interest to choose Agile vs. Waterfall. If you’re looking for a more classic approach, Waterfall vs. Agile could be your best bet.

The 5 Pillars of a Successful Software Project

Whether you choose Agile or Waterfall, we want to help every software project begin on solid ground. In The 5 Pillars Of A Successful Software Project, we share the essential ingredients of every software project.

You can grab a copy of the guide below and share it with your team!

FAQs

What are the main differences between Waterfall and Agile methodologies?

The main difference between Waterfall and Agile methodologies is the time in which projects are completed. Versus the Waterfall methodology, Agile focuses on shorter “sprints” during development.

How do I choose between Agile and Waterfall for my software project?

If your project requires flexibility and needs to be delivered in a shorter timeframe, choose Agile vs. Waterfall.

Can Agile projects fail, and why?

Yes, Agile projects can fail. This is typically due to unclear goals, limited stakeholder feedback, or poor communication. Additionally, development teams unfamiliar with the differences between Waterfall and Agile could struggle with the faster timelines and “sprints”.

How long do Agile sprints usually last in software development?

Agile sprints typically last 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the project’s complexity and team preferences. A shorter sprint (1-2 weeks) allows for faster feedback and quicker adjustments, while longer sprints (3-4 weeks) may suit larger, more detailed tasks.

What are the drawbacks of the Waterfall approach vs. Agile?

The Waterfall approach is inflexible, as changes are difficult to accommodate once a phase is completed. It requires detailed initial planning, making it unsuitable for projects with evolving requirements.