Difference Between Waterfall And Agile Methodology?

The Agile model and waterfall model are two of the most acclaimed methodologies used in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process. Based on the project scope, management’s decision and organizational requirements, either of the two methodologies can be used in a software development project. Proper analysis and in-depth evaluation need to be done from a project and team perspective before finally choosing a specific methodology. In this article, you will get to know about the differences between agile methodology in testing and waterfall methodology.

What is waterfall methodology?

Waterfall methodology is based on a linear progression method that is implemented right from the beginning till the end of the project. Planning is done meticulously,  documentation is prepared in detail with all the process steps that need to be followed in a methodical manner and finally, execution is done in a phased manner.

The waterfall model provides a strategic platform to the internal teams so that they can move from the first phase of the project to the second in an organized and efficient manner. The core focus of the waterfall model is to help the internal teams do their best in a planned manner. When it comes to the client or the end user of the specific project, there is very less involvement of this particular methodology.

What is agile methodology?

This methodology focuses on enhancing the productivity of cross-functional and self-organizing teams through collaborative efforts and thus coming out with feasible solutions in line with the software development process. A specific project is broken down into several phases and then each phase is iteratively developed till it meets the expected requirements.

Stakeholders are constantly involved through the development phase of the project to provide valuable inputs as and when required.  Iterative development is key for making the agile methodology work optimally. A disciplined project management process is promoted by agile methods and processes in order to encourage adaptation and frequent inspection and also push leadership philosophy that encourages accountability,  self-organization and teamwork.

Difference between agile methodology and waterfall methodology:

Agile	Waterfall
Many different projects can be undertaken through this methodology based on the management’s decision and specific standard applications	Only one single software development project will be focused upon till it is successfully completed. Post completion, this methodology can initiate working on the second project and so on and so forth
Incremental model is followed  by Agile methodology	Sequential design process is followed by waterfall methodology
Software development life cycle is divided into sprints	Software development life cycle is divided into several phases
The software development process which includes planning, development, prototyping etc., may appear more than once, because iterative development is followed	The software development process which includes planning, development, prototyping etc.,  are completed only once
Changes can be made in the project development requirements because agile is flexible	Once the project management is initiated, there is no scope for changes that can be done in the project development requirements
Right after each sprint, test plan is reviewed	There is a rare chance of discussing the test plan during the test phase
Software testing is performed parallelly with software development process	The testing phase is performed after the build phase
Those projects where change in requirements happen all the time must go for agile model	Those projects where the requirements are definite and no change in requirements needs to be done can go for waterfall model
End customers/users are the focal point and the product is built based on their specific requirements and ensures that customer is satisfied	Project accomplishment is the focal point as priority is given to the internal team members to carry on with project management activities methodically

Conclusion: 

If you are looking forward to implementing agile methodology or waterfall methodology for your project, then do get connected with a leading software testing services company that will provide you with workable solutions in line with your project specific requirements.