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Agile vs Waterfall: Which Methodology is Best for Your Software Project?

Red Rocket Team
Red Rocket TeamOct 7, 20244 min read
If you have decided on the idea of your future project, the next step on the way to software development is to choose a project management process. You have to decide which methodology to give preference to so that the project is completed with quality and in time. Without a methodology, you won't have a clear strategy that helps you achieve the set results.
The best-known methodology models in web development today are definitely Agile and Waterfall. Many beginners don't understand what they are talking about when these terms are used at all. In this article, we will explain to you what these methodologies mean, what their benefits are and help you choose a winner in the «Agile vs Waterfall» competition. Agile vs Waterfall_  Which Methodology  is Best for Your  Software Project_-min.jpg

What’s the Difference?

There is no right or wrong methodology. There is a methodology correctly chosen and applied for your project. Based on the features of the two methodologies, we can say that Agile is good for IT products, startups that work in an uncertain, frequently changing environment. This is your approach if you don't know where you will be tomorrow. Waterfall, on the other hand, is good for smaller projects with a high degree of certainty. If you know exactly what kind of project you need in the end, or you have done a similar project before, you will be able to think through a clear sequence of steps.
In simple words, Waterfall is a methodology that clearly outlines the steps and actions that developers should follow. Agile software development means developing a product as you receive comments from the client, new ideas, and opportunities.

Understanding Waterfall Methodology

Waterfall is a software development technology that has been around since 1970. It was described by Winston Royce, an American information technology scientist. He divided the process of product creation into logical stages that can overlap in time to give the technology some flexibility. But the sequence of them doesn't change. If you visualize it all, you get a model that looks like a waterfall. That is why this methodology is so-called.
Waterfall is a strict structure that is fixed on paper and cannot be interfered with. The next stage can be started only after the completion of the previous stage. Therefore, requirement documents and instructions are almost sacrosanct in this methodology. The client does not interfere in the creation of the product once the ToR has been approved. It should be well thought out, and the documentation should be of high quality. The more detailed the documentation - the more confidence in the result. Here is what the development stages (life cycle) of the Waterfall project management process look like:
  1. (01)
    Plan. At this stage, preparatory work is carried out, namely requirements analysis, ToR drafting, and process planning.
  2. (02)
    Design. This stage of the project management process includes software prototype development.
  3. (03)
    Design preparation. This is the phase when the practical part of the developers' work starts, where the project design is created.
  4. (04)
    Integration. This is where the parts are combined to produce one complete web product.
  5. (05)
    Testing. The finished product is checked for program errors, and flaws in functionality are looked for. After that, it is important to fix the bugs that have been detected.
  6. (06)
    Product release. Release of the finished project and finalization of development. It is also possible to adapt the project to other systems.
  7. (07)
    Technical support. The last stage is to continuously maintain and support the product. This will allow it to work uninterruptedly.
What is the main drawback of this methodology according to experienced developers? You cannot go back to the early stages of the project. The system strictly prohibits such actions. You have to wait until the development is completed, put the product into operation, test it, and then modify it if necessary. Thus, mistakes here have a special price in the equivalent of time and money.

Who Uses Waterfall?

As we know, early Waterfall methodology was used in any software development. Several decades ago it was used by such giants as Microsoft, Toyota and other companies. With the advent of Agile software development, interest in Waterfall began to decline significantly. However, this methodology still has fans to this day - these are people who like stability and control. They liked to define the order of things in development once and for all. Because of this, the Waterfall model has ensured strict quality control and a transparent process. You will know from the very beginning what it requires. And in the end, you'll get a complete product, not some working part of it. The customer, in turn, will know exactly when the project will be completed and what budget is required. Through the reporting system, it will be possible to analyze the time, budget, and resources spent.
Despite the criticism and disadvantages, there are cases when the use of Waterfall is quite justified. For example, this approach is usually used in the following cases:
  • Complex and non-standard projects for which no template approach is possible, and all technical documentation must be developed from scratch.
  • Project conditions are unchangeable.
  • In the course of project execution, it is possible to change contractors, perform stages by different contractors, and involve different specialists. According to reasonable documentation, one specialist may start the project, and another may finish it.
This list can include any other cases when agile approaches like Scrum or Agile do not work or do not satisfy the customer. Another interesting fact is that in some cases, Agile-Waterfall hybrid approaches are used to achieve better project management results.

How to Run a Waterfall Project?

We have already figured out what Waterfall project management is and who uses it today for software development. However, many people don't know how to start a Waterfall project. We've gathered the key steps you'll need to follow.

1. Gather customer requirements

The process of planning should begin with an assessment of the stakeholders, which involves a discussion of their expectations for the project. Be proactive in your interactions and always seek to clarify objectives by asking questions about the issue to be addressed or the outcome to be achieved.

2. Create a smart plan

According to information from the customers, prepare a project plan that will capture all the requirements that have been agreed on when developing and implementing a project. Provide an overview of all key activities and milestones that may contribute towards the successful execution of the project. When defining the tasks, include the approximate time that each task would take, determine task interdependencies resources allocation, and incorporate spare time to accommodate for any small details.

3. Proceed to implement the project

Once you have the signed-off plan your team is then ready to construct and create the project deliverables. Stick to the outlined plan and the timetable that has been set out. It is necessary to remember that it is crucial to document all the work that is being done and the knowledge acquired in the process.

4. Test the product

Have a strict testing process that should be implemented once the development processes are over. Unit, integration, and user acceptance tests can be done in order to make sure that the software is free from bugs and defects and that it meets the requirements.

5. Hand over the product to the client

After the identified measures have been successfully tested and endorsed by the various parties involved, proceed to formally bring the project to a definite end and transfer the actual product to the client. The most important thing is to deliver the created software within the time frame specified by the customer.

Understanding Agile Methodology

Agile is a term that unites a number of modern Agile project management methodologies. The essence of Agile management is that it is not based on rules but on Agile principles that guide the team in making decisions. There is a plan, but there is no strict internal structure. People decide what direction the project will take next, so creative flow is encouraged here. Agile management methods include the popular Scrum master and Kanban boards frameworks. Agile includes 4 important points around which this approach is built:
  1. (01)
    Communication is more important than tools.
Agile is built on live communication. The Scrum approach involves daily meetings with customers and the team, discussing work results and expressing ideas. With the help of communication, the team becomes a monolithic organism.
  1. (02)
    Cooperation with the customer is more important than the terms of the contract.
The customer defines the vision; he knows the whole picture. The team strives for quality and cooperates with the customer to realize his idea and vision.
  1. (03)
    Working product is more important than detailed documentation.
Agile does not rely on detailed planning. It is enough to start with a little talk and decide what needs to be done over several iterations. At the end of each one, there should be a measurable result.
  1. (04)
    Being ready for change is more important than following the original plan.
Without a willingness to make sudden changes to the plan, there is every risk of exiting the market. This is what makes the Agile methodology truly agile.
Based on this way of working, it can be seen that Agile methodology is significantly different from Waterfall.

Who Uses Agile?

We have already said in this article that Agile came after Waterfall and supplanted its competitor. Scrum and Kanban are among the most popular agile software development frameworks, and they are currently in high demand among businesses in various sectors. Cultural changes that started with software development project teams are now migrating to other fields as more companies learn the advantages of flexibility, consistent improvement, and transparency.
The practice of Agile was initially introduced by leading technology and software organizations such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Spotify. Agile also benefits companies that are constructing complicated digital products and platforms because this working model helps to accelerate their work and adjust to customers’ expectations.
However, the Agile methodology will not work for you in some cases. These may include such factors as: a clear project outcome that cannot be changed; multiple repetition of deliverables; you need to produce large amounts of documentation.

How to Run an Agile Project?

If planning an Agile project for the first time, there are certain things which needs to be done to ensure the project is poised for success. We have prepared for you a step-by-step guide on how to launch a project based on Agile methodology.

1. Selecting a framework

First, choose an Agile framework that is compatible with the values that are embraced by your team and the general working structure. Some of the most sought-after frameworks are Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. Take into account the scale and scope of the project, members of the team, and objectives when deciding on the approach.

2. Assemble a team

Agile team should comprise employees drawn from various functions. It is recommended to invite members with backgrounds in developing, testing, project management, and business analysis. The team should also be small and made up of like-minded individuals.

3. Create a product roadmap

Next, engage other stakeholders in steering an Agile product roadmap. Propose the vision, the topical directions, the aims, and the first set of user stories. Ensure that this high-level strategic plan is aimed at creating value for the customer organization.

4. Break the project into sprints

Now that the plan is set divide it into doable cycles with planned activities and time frames. Sprint planning is short iterations that deliver a shippable increment of value to the stakeholders.

5. Regular meetings with the client after each sprint

In every sprint, the team combines efforts to deliver the user stories into a working feature. Once a sprint is over, hold a review session to present the new increment produced to stakeholders.

6. Implementation of adjustments if required

Lastly, adapt when needed: It is important to note that the above-mentioned approaches work under controlled environments, and it is possible that the participants may require some adjustments during the project. In the case of challenges, the team should schedule specific problem-solving meetings.

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