Waterfall Development
What It Is
A linear, sequential approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins. Like water flowing downhill, you move through phases in one direction.
The Phases
- Requirements gathering
- System design
- Implementation (development)
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
Pros
- Clear, predictable timeline and budget
- Comprehensive documentation
- Works well when requirements are well-defined and stable
- Easier to manage for less experienced teams
- Good for regulatory environments requiring documentation
Cons
- Difficult to accommodate changes
- Users don't see working software until late
- Problems discovered late are expensive to fix
- Assumes requirements can be fully defined upfront
Agile Development
What It Is
An iterative, incremental approach where software is developed in short cycles (sprints) with continuous feedback and adaptation.
The Approach
- Work in 2-4 week sprints
- Deliver working software each sprint
- Regular feedback from stakeholders
- Prioritize and adjust as you learn
- Embrace change rather than resist it
Pros
- Adaptable to changing requirements
- Working software delivered early and often
- Problems discovered and fixed quickly
- Continuous stakeholder involvement
- Higher customer satisfaction
Cons
- Less predictable timeline and budget
- Requires active stakeholder participation
- Can lose sight of big picture
- Documentation may be lighter
- Requires experienced, disciplined teams
Comparison
| Factor | Waterfall | Agile |
| Requirements | Fixed upfront | Evolve over time |
| Change | Difficult/costly | Expected/welcomed |
| Delivery | At the end | Continuous |
| Client involvement | Beginning and end | Continuous |
| Risk | Higher (late discovery) | Lower (early discovery) |
When to Use Waterfall
- Requirements are well-understood and unlikely to change
- Regulatory requirements demand comprehensive documentation
- Fixed budget and timeline are essential
- Technology and tools are well-established
- Team has limited experience with agile
When to Use Agile
- Requirements are expected to evolve
- Fast time-to-market is important
- Stakeholders can participate regularly
- Project involves innovation or new technology
- Early user feedback is valuable
Hybrid Approaches
Many projects use elements of both. For example:
- Waterfall for requirements and design, agile for development
- Agile for new features, waterfall for maintenance
- Fixed scope for core features, agile for enhancements
Our Approach
We typically use an iterative approach that borrows from agile while providing the structure and predictability that businesses need. We:
- Start with thorough discovery and planning
- Develop in iterations with regular demos
- Maintain flexibility for reasonable changes
- Provide clear timelines and budgets
- Document everything for long-term maintenance
Questions About Our Process?
We're happy to explain how we approach projects and what to expect.
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