Waterfall and Agile Methodologies

Waterfall Methodology

• Waterfall methodology is a linear and sequential approach to software development.
• Stages of Waterfall methodology include:
  • Requirement Analysis: Gather all possible requirements for the system.
  • System Design: Create a blueprint to guide development.
  • Implementation/Programming: Actual coding occurs in this phase.
  • Integration and Testing: Ensure software meets initial requirements and is defect-free.
  • Deployment: Software is moved to the production environment.
  • Maintenance: Address and resolve issues that arise post-deployment.
• Advantages:
  • Simple and clear structure, making it easy to understand.
• Disadvantages:
  • Changes are difficult once a phase is completed due to limited flexibility.
• Best used when:
  • Specific, extensive documentation is required.
  • Requirements are fixed and unlikely to change.

Agile Methodology

• Agile methodology emphasizes flexibility and customer collaboration throughout the development process.
• Agile Manifesto outlines four core values:
  • Working Software over comprehensive documentation.
  • Individuals and Interactions over processes and tools.
  • Customer Collaboration over contract negotiation.
  • Responding to Change over following a plan.
• Key characteristics of Agile include adaptability and continuous delivery of functional software.
• The 12 Agile principles include:
  • Early and continuous delivery of useful software.
  • Embracing changing requirements even late in development.
  • Frequent delivery of work, preferring shorter timescales.
  • Daily collaboration between stakeholders and developers.
  • Building projects around motivated individuals and trusting them.
  • Prioritizing face-to-face communication for effectiveness.
  • Progress measured by working software.
  • Maintaining a sustainable work pace.
  • Continuous attention to technical excellence and simplicity.
  • Self-organizing teams yield the best results.
  • Regular reflection to improve team effectiveness.
• Benefits of Agile development:
  • Enhanced customer focus.
  • Increased adaptability to change.
  • Collaborative teamwork encourages innovation and productivity.

Types of Agile Methodologies

• Projects may utilize various Agile methodologies such as:
  • Scrum
  • Kanban
  • Lean
  • Extreme Programming
  • Adaptive Project Framework