Difference between Agile Vs Waterfall

5 min readApr 14, 2021

Agile is a form of a gradual software development model that focuses on concepts that emphasize individuals, outcomes, teamwork, and adaptability to change. It breaks down development work into small increments executed in prototypes or short periods rather than preparing for the whole project. Each iteration involves all phases of the SDLC, resulting in a working product at the end.

What is the Waterfall technique, and how does it work?

The Waterfall Model is the Liner Sequential Life Cycle Model. The Waterfall Model follows in sequential order. Thus, the project development team can only move on to the next phase of development or testing after the previous stage has been completed.

What is the Agile approach, and how does it work?

The agile technique is a practice that aids in the software development process by allowing for constant iteration of development and testing. Unlike the Waterfall model, development and testing can mark the completion simultaneously in this model. This method helps clients, developers, managers, and testers to communicate more effectively.

The Main Difference between Waterfall and Agile

In the software development process, Waterfall is a linear sequential life cycle model, while Agile is a continuous iteration of development and testing.
The Agile approach is famous for its versatility, while the Waterfall methodology is a formal software development methodology.
Considering the Waterfall technique compared to Agile, which takes a gradual approach while the Waterfall is a systematic design process.
Testing one can do simultaneously with software development in Agile, while testing is done after the “Construct” process in Waterfall methodology.
Agile allows for changes in project planning specifications, while Waterfall does not allow for changes until the project is underway.

Advantages of the waterfall model

This is a simple framework and one of the most manageable models. Before the project starts, you have a good idea of the project’s schedule and deliverables. The production team and the clients settle on the project scope ahead of time.
It allows for quicker project completion.
The process works well with projects on a smaller scale (with easily understandable requirements).
Planning and design seem simple because early in the construction lifecycle, developers and consumers will agree on what will be delivered.
It has well-documented procedures and outcomes. To avoid misunderstandings and shortcuts, each project step is meticulously recorded.
Progress is easier to track since the full scope of the project is understood ahead of time.
It distributes the load. Each team member will concentrate on different aspects of their work depending on the process.
The waterfall method is hands-off. There is no need for continuing customer presence after the original design and project plan are in place before the review process.
Managing dependencies seems to be helpful.
It’s flexible enough to accommodate changing teams.

Waterfall disadvantages

As you would expect, such an approach has several drawbacks. Here are a few examples:

Waterfall seems to be unsuitable for large-scale projects.
If the criterion is not clear from the start, the approach will be less efficient.
It’s impossible to go back in time and make improvements in previous stages.
After the production phase is completed, the testing phase begins. As a result, there’s a good risk that bugs will be discovered later in production when they’ll be more costly to patch.
After a project is completed, the customer will be dissatisfied with the results because all the project’s progress was focused on the original documentation. The final product may not meet the customer’s requirements.
There is a lower level of consumer engagement. As the project progresses, some clients may want to be more involved.

Advantages of the Agile Process

The Agile approach places a strong emphasis on the customer experience. It ensures that the client is kept informed throughout the process. Customers can see the work in progress and make decisions and improvements as it progresses.
Customers feel a deep sense of ownership due to their significant and direct involvement with the project team during the project.
Agile architecture is often more user-centric. It is the product of more and more regular customer guidance.
It ensures that the development standard is safe.
The Agile offshore construction process is entirely gradual.
Agile teams are highly in coordination and self-motivated. It improves the outcomes of construction programs.
The modification of deliverables one can do any time. Stakeholders may rank the value of deliverables.
It provides goods of better quality and that is more user-friendly. Since clients may provide input during each sprint, Agile-developed products are frequently very user-friendly.

Agile disadvantages

Agile isn’t appropriate for small-scale software projects.
It necessitates a high level of dedication. Unlike the conventional method, Agile development only succeeds when the entire development team is focusing on the project.
Agile projects can quickly veer off course if project managers are unsure of what they want to achieve.
Taking crucial decisions in agile meetings necessitates the participation of an expert.
Problems with communication. Agile development projects would necessitate a high degree of communication because it needs a high level of cooperation.
As compared to other methodologies, the cost of applying Agile is slightly higher.
The high level of customer engagement can pose a challenge for some clients who lack the time or interest to participate in this manner.
In Agile, close collaboration necessitates operating in the same physical room, which isn’t always feasible.

Waterfall Model Limitations:

It isn’t the best model for a big project.
It’s a less efficient approach if the criterion isn’t clear from the start.
It isn’t easy to return to previous processes and make improvements.
After the production phase marks the completion, the testing phase begins. As a result, there’s a good risk that bugs will have a place and later mark the discovery in production when they’ll be more costly to patch.

Agile Model Limitations

It is ineffective for small-scale construction projects.
Important decisions need to take by experts during the conference.
As compared to other development methodologies, the cost of adopting an agile method is slightly higher.
If the project manager does not know what result they need, the project may easily go off track.

Choosing Between Agile and Waterfall Development

Several factors influence the decision between Agile and Waterfall methodologies by Website Development Company.

If you don’t have (or have limited) access to a customer who can provide continuous input, Waterfall may be the best option. It’ll also work for projects with a distributed team, a set budget, and a defined scope.

Agile seems to be more suited to more complicated and broader projects with direct access to customer input. Agile is an ultimate option for projects with continuously evolving specifications because of its versatility.

There is a wide range of PM resources available, regardless of which technique you choose.