In software app development, selecting a suitable development model is crucial to project success in the software industry. Some methods and models are followed for development, but the two most popular approaches, Agile and Waterfall, have dominated the software industry for years. Each model offers advantages and disadvantages, and understanding their differences can help you decide on your project.
Moreover, the top mobile app development company integrated these models for their project development and delivered the application on time.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key characteristics, benefits, and considerations of Agile and Waterfall, ultimately helping you determine which model best suits your needs.
If you want to know more, dive right in then!
Waterfall Model:
The Waterfall model, also called the traditional or sequential model, follows a linear approach. It consists of different sequential phases, each dependent on the previously completed phase. The project progresses through phases like resource gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment precisely and sequentially. This approach works well when the requirements are well-defined, stable, and unlikely to change significantly during development. Waterfall provides clear project climacterics, making it easier to plan and manage.
Limitation in Waterfall Model:
However, the Waterfall model has its limitations. Once a phase is complete, revisiting and making changes is highly challenging, even sometimes, a lot more time is taken for minor changes in the previous stage. The development was delayed, and costs were increased if significant modifications were required. Additionally, the lack of customer involvement until the later stages may lead to misalignment between the developed product and customer expectations.
Advantages of Waterfall Model
- Clear and structured process.
- Well-defined milestones.
- Detailed documentation.
- Easy to understand and manage.
- Efficient resource allocation.
- Client and stakeholder involvement.
- Risk mitigation.
Agile Model
The agile development model emphasizes adaptability and flexibility using an iterative and incremental approach. Agile projects are divided into short iterations, called sprints, usually lasting from one to four weeks. In each sprint, a group of cross-functional team members collaborates to produce a product increment that can be shipped. Agile promotes customer feedback and welcomes changes throughout development, allowing for continuous progress and product evolution.
Advantages of the Agile Model
- Working software is delivered frequently (weeks rather than months).
- A face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication.
- Agile fosters a collaborative and empowered team environment,promoting creativity, innovation, and adaptability.
- It enables faster delivery of more minor projects.
- Regular adaptation to changing circumstances.
- Even late changes in requirements are welcomed.
Specific Technology that Boost the development process:
DevOps refers to a collection of practices that bring together development and operations teams to foster collaboration, automate processes, and consistently improve application development, deployment, and operation. It emphasizes teamwork across functions, automation of tasks, continuous integration and delivery, infrastructure management as code, development driven by feedback, and stability and scalability. DevOps aims to improve efficiency, quality, and agility in app development.
Stages in of app development through any Model:
- Requirements analysis: The development team and the client must create documentation during this stage. The documentation will detail the product features summarized in the project plan. This level of detail will allow the team to determine the cost and timeline of the project without any flaws. Once both parties agree on the requirements, there will be further similitude between the development team and the client once the project is completed.
- System Design: The design phase includes technological design and outer design. The team searches for possible solutions to the client’s problem in the technological design phase. When the development team agrees on a solution, these ideas are translated into specific technical tasks and distributed across the team to construct the outer design.
- Implementation: In the implementation phase, developers start coding based on the required features in the earlier steps.
- Testing: Once all project parts have been developed in the implementation phase, they are assembled into the system after testing each one. After integration, the system undergoes testing to identify any faults or failures.
- Deployment of system − Once the testing is done for all the phases, the product is deployed in the customer environment or released into the market.
- Maintenance: As users start using the final product, they may encounter new issues requiring ongoing support.
Choosing between Agile and Waterfall
Choosing the right approach for your project depends on its requirements. For stable and defined projects with strict deadlines, use Waterfall. For adaptable projects that require close collaboration with customers, use Agile. Agile is best for projects with changing requirements, delivering value early, and continuous product improvement.
It is worth noting that a top on demand mobile app development company has adopted hybrid approaches that blend the best elements of Agile and Waterfall. These hybrid models combine the advantages of both approaches, providing structure and predictability while incorporating flexibility and customer involvement.
Conclusion:
In summary, Waterfall follows a strict and sequential process, while Agile adopts flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Waterfall is best suited for projects with stable requirements, while Agile is ideal for projects that require adaptability and customer involvement throughout the development process. Ultimately, the key is finding the best approach to your project’s goals, promoting effective collaboration, and maximizing the chances of delivering a successful, high-quality product.
