Agile vs Waterfall – What do you ask to run the business smoothly? Our assumptions here are the inclusion of high-end technologies, efficient operations, and functions, talented pool of experts, smart delivery to end-users. Even in the software development industry, there is constant pressure to meet user demands at any cost.
The growing competition is making it more difficult to function as per the latest trends and incur technology wherever and whenever possible. If the solutions are not delivered to users on time, they might shift to other software application service providers and business may lose their customers forever.
Now that the dilemma is loud and clear, what should business and a software development company do to entertain users while making growth and profit simultaneously? These challenges can easily be catered by the use of smart methodologies that enhances the overall software development. While business is aware of multiple frameworks that are available to develop software applications, two of them are the most favored one.
We are talking about the waterfall and agile methodologies. But which one to opt for when a software development company is planning to develop a software application? This question is rising with every development and we are here to make it easier. Let’s analyze a few factors basis which you can plan to opt for the best methodology and make the development process easier and efficient.
Waterfall Model
Waterfall model is also known as a sequential model as it focuses on developing the software application is a defined sequence. It doesn’t allow developers to alter the stage at any place and all changes are entertained only after the completion of the project. This model is used when the project size is small. Waterfall model emphasizes on developing the software in a defined manner so that every stage is given ample amount of time and effort to make the development crisp and distinct.
Stages of Waterfall Model
1) Planning: This stage defines the overall planning of the development of a software application. Once planning is completed, the software development company can move onto the next stage.
2) Analysis: The planned project is analyzed and a defined flow of the process designed for developers to start the development with.
3) Design: Design stage implies the overall look and feel of the software application. It ensures that the project comes out exactly what has been planned in the starting.
4) Implementation: This process is all about implying the work as per the above-defined guidelines. It is more about the functional and operational aspects of the entire software development.
5) Verification: This stage talks about the testing of the project to ensure that the software is launched without any bugs and errors in it.
6) Maintenance: The last step defines the support and maintenance of the software application project ensuring that the software operates properly even after the launch to the final users.
Benefits of Waterfall Model
1) It is defined, linear and traditional approach to software development.
2) Waterfall model defines the clear and distinct goals for the software development company to function on.
3) Best suited for small projects as it does not give the pleasure to make changes in between the development.
Challenges with the Waterfall Model
1) The time-consuming, slow process of software application development.
2) Adding alterations in the project can be costly and difficult to implement
3) To make changes in the development stage, developers need to wait for the entire process to complete and then proceed with modifying the project.
Agile Methodology
Opposite of waterfall model, agile is an iterative software development framework which allows changes to be made in between the process of software development. This is the most favored methodology by software development companies as it reduces the time of development and saves cost as well. Both the development and testing activities are concurrent in this framework and thus secures the overall development process effectively.
- The approach of agile methodology
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
“It is estimated by the 9th Global Project Management Survey 2017 that approximately 71% of organizations use Agile approaches. The number itself is very fascinating here.”
Benefits of Agile Framework
- Agile is more client-focused software development process
- The quality of software development is one of the priorities with agile
- Agile welcomes two-way communication between clients and software development companies for effective software development
- Agile offers various other forms of software development: Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Feature-Driven Development (FDD) and Crystal
Challenge with Agile Methodology
- Doesn’t work best with small projects
- Agile demands talent and experts to make effective decision making throughout the development process.
- Multiple iterations in the agile process make it difficult to promise delivery on the defined timelines.
Conclusion
Both agile and waterfall models are different yet fulfills the parameters of software development as per the project requirements. It depends on the software development companies to decide on which model they would want to work. The outcome is always to have an efficient and excellent software application that functions smartly and is fulfills the need of the users. Whatever be the final selection, the business should be able to meet the requirements of the users to make an essential mark in the competition.
