Most people are using the Agile methodology due to its numerous benefits, but the Waterfall methodology is still the preferred methodology for some different types of projects.
So what is the difference between the two methodologies ?
The Waterfall methodology is used in engineering projects because of its structured approach. It involves planned work that moves from one phase to the next and is regularly used for high risk projects.
It is named due to its phased approach which flow in linear sequence like a waterfall and it is used because of its benefits which include clear project timeline, clear project deliverables and detailed documentation.
While the Agile methodology is a more flexible approach that focuses on creating a working product at the end of every sprint. It breaks the development work into small increments which would be completed in short time frames.
The Agile methodology is extensively used in software development projects due to its numerous benefits such as faster development, customer focused and increased employee collaboration.
So what is the difference Between Agile and Waterfall ?
Some of the differences between the two methodologies are :
| Number | Agile Methodology | Waterfall Methodology |
| 1. | The Agile project is broken into sprints. | The Waterfall project is split into phases. |
| 2. | Agile is an incremental and iterative approach. | Waterfall is a linear and sequential approach. |
| 3. | In Agile the requirements are continuously being refined. | In Waterfall, once the requirements are approved they should not be changed. |
| 4. | Changes are allowed. | Changes are discouraged. |
| 5. | The product is concurrently tested while its still being developed. | The testing phase is done after the development phase. |
| 6. | The project team does not require a Project Manager. | A Project Manager is required. |
So which methodology is better ?
Both methodologies are useful for different reasons such as the organizational need, project type, risk level and organizational preference.