Agile methodology is a flexible and iterative strategy that allows teams to quickly adjust to changing project needs and deliver high-quality solutions in less time. In software development, agile is frequently utilized.

1. Paras Pandya September 15, 2023
Choosing the Right Project Management
Approach: Waterfall or Agile?
Recent Post
AngularJS vs. Angular: The Key
Differences between JavaScript and
TypeScript.
Probe into the Key Components and
Tools of DevOps Lifecycle.
Table of Contents
1. Waterfall Methodology
2. Agile Methodology
3. Waterfall vs Agile Project M…
4. When to use Agile vs Waterf…
5. Waterfall vs Agile Pros and …
6. Why Methodology should be…
7. What is Waterfall Methodolo…
8. What is an Agile approach s…
Subscribe To Get Latest Updates
Email
Subscribe
Project management methodologies aid in the organization and structure of work processes. They
aid in the monitoring of the smooth flow of operations as well as the reduction of errors. Waterfall
and Agile are two such approaches that are the most widely used as project management software
in organizations and important in the SDLC. However, its application is entirely dependent on the
nature of the project. The Waterfall paradigm requires a team to work on project phases
sequentially, one after the other, but the Agile allows a team to work on many stages concurrently.
Both the Waterfall and Agile methodologies have advantages and downsides. A software
development team can benefit from these two techniques in general.
The approach to choose is determined by the size, kind, and resources of the software outsourcing
services organization.
In this blog, we will look closely into the two methodologies comparing Waterfall and Agile
processes, as well as the pros and cons of each methodology. So, let’s begin with a short
description of Waterfall and Agile approaches.
Waterfall Methodology
Waterfall is reported to have been created and implemented originally as a Process Model. Each
step of work in this model must be finished before moving on to the next, and there is no crossover
between the phases of this model. The Waterfall model depicts the software development life cycle
(SDLC) as a logical, sequential flow of data. This means that any stage of development can begin
only after the previous phase has been finished. The stages of this Waterfall model do not cross in
any way.
Waterfall guarantees that each phase is completed before proceeding to the next.
Agile Methodology
The methodology is a flexible and iterative strategy that allows teams to quickly adjust to changing
project needs and deliver high-quality solutions in less time. In software development, agile is
frequently utilized.
Agile is all about collaboration, customer happiness, ongoing improvement, and breaking large
projects down into manageable chunks. Agile procedures enable teams to pivot and respond to
changing client needs while retaining a high level of flexibility by prioritizing cooperation and
communication. The emphasis on continuous improvement means that teams are constantly
looking for ways to enhance their processes and offer the best results possible.
Contact
WHAT WE DO  WHO WE ARE CASE STUDY RESOURCES  LIFE @ CUNEIFORM CONTACT US

2. Finally, the Agile technique aims to produce better results by taking a more simplified and adaptive
approach.
After having a short brief into the two project management frameworks, let’s read about the major
differences between Agile and Waterfall, to choose the right methodology for your firm.
Waterfall vs Agile Project Management:
Agile Methodology Waterfall Methodology
Agile divides the project development lifecycle into
sprints.
The software development process is
separated into segments.
Agile uses an incremental approach. Waterfall is a sequential design process.
Agile methodology is flexible. It is an organized process that might be
rigid at times.
It can be thought of as a collection of several
projects.
The software can be built as a single
project.
After basic planning is complete, changes to
project development requirements might be made.
Once the project development begins, the
requirements cannot be altered.
It employs an iterative development approach. The
phases of planning, development, prototyping, and
software development may exist more than once.
In the waterfall approach, project
development steps such as design,
development, and testing are completed
only once.
After each sprint, the test plan is evaluated. During the testing process, the preplanned
test plan is rarely communicated.
The specifications may alter and evolve. This model is appropriate for projects with
a consistent set of needs.
Testing is carried out concurrently with software
development.
After the testing phase comes the building
phase.
It employs a product mindset in which the software
product would meet the needs of end users.
It demonstrates a project mindset and
focuses on project completion.
In fixed-price circumstances, it would raise the
amount of stress.
The risk is lessened since the price of
contracts is fixed by obtaining the risk
agreement at the outset.
It is preferable to work with small, devoted teams
that require a great deal of coordination and
synchronization.
There is insufficient cooperation and
synchronization among team members.
It works effectively with non-fixed funding, such as
time and supplies.
Before starting a project, a business
analyst will compile the requirements.
Every day during a project, the product owner and
teams prepare requirements.
Any changes to the requirements are
difficult to implement.
Because projects may be managed by the entire
team, project managers are unnecessary.
Because the process is generally simple, a
project manager is necessary.
Contact
WHAT WE DO  WHO WE ARE CASE STUDY RESOURCES  LIFE @ CUNEIFORM CONTACT US

3. When to use Agile vs Waterfall?
Waterfall is the ideal choice for reliable projects since it requires extensive preparation at the outset,
taking into account all internal and external factors that influence project performance. The reason
for being the best choice for working with the external environment is because it is steady and
unlikely to alter during the plan, regardless of the project’s size.
However, prior to the introduction of Agile, Waterfall was the preferred approach for external
projects. As a result, if you can plan a project ahead of time in a low-risk setting, there’s no reason to
split it into numerous sprints to produce value each week.
In contrast, given their unstable and unpredictable character, Agile appears to be a more adaptable
method. In other words, if the product vision and associated requirements can change due to
external variables such as market dynamics, it is preferable to design and adapt the product utilizing
Agile. Agile is also the greatest strategy for ensuring that the project does not spend months in
development before showing any results. At the end of each sprint, the product owner will be able
to test and approve the finished work.
In changing projects that use checkpoints, a lack of sufficient checkpoints creates risk. Waterfall
because it makes resolving potential flaws uncovered at the end of development more complex. As
a result, the concept of when to use agile vs waterfall, extra time set aside for project planning does
not guarantee that the design and development phases will run smoothly to the end, because most
impediments are both unpleasant and unexpected.
Waterfall vs Agile Pros and Cons:
Below are the major Waterfall vs Agile pros and cons in detail, which will help to choose the right
waterfall vs agile project management.
Pros of Waterfall:
1. Framework: Before beginning the project, the framework establishes a clear knowledge of
the timeframe and deliverables. The scope of the project will be determined by the custom
software development team and the customers.
2. Documentation: To avoid misconceptions, software engineers document each stage of the
process.
3. Shared Load: The bespoke software development project does not require all your time and
attention. Team members focus on different aspects depending on the phase.
4. Hands-off Method: Customers can take a hands-off approach with the waterfall technique.
There is a requirement till the review session when people set an initial design and project
plan.
Cons of Waterfall:
1. Less Customer Involvement: A hands-off approach is not necessarily appropriate for every
software product. Some clients wish to be more involved in the project’s progress. End-users
will be frustrated if there is no framework in place to allow for customer interaction.
2. Difficult to Change: The waterfall helps people to follow specific processes and set a
timeframe. When these components are in place, it is difficult to make modifications when the
development team is working against a deadline. Because it is impossible for clients to have a
complete understanding before the process begins, adaptability is a crucial aspect of the
bespoke software development process.
3. Last-minute Testing Session: There is no time constraint between Waterfall and Agile,
which is one of the waterfall method’s downsides. Although the waterfall approach can be
Contact
WHAT WE DO  WHO WE ARE CASE STUDY RESOURCES  LIFE @ CUNEIFORM CONTACT US

4. beneficial to software development projects, no project has fallen behind schedule. The first
90% of the code, for example, accounts for the first 90% of development time. The
remaining 10% of the code accounts for the remaining 90% of development time. As a result,
the last testing session will be rushed, resulting in buggy code.
Pros of Agile:
1. Involvement of stakeholders: This strategy encourages ongoing contact between
development and the customer.
2. Flexible Deliverables: Because of its hierarchy of importance, an Agile approach allows
stakeholders to establish deliverables. This is exactly what Agile software development
technique can do if a customer delivers the fundamental software products before the whole
suite.
3. Easy to adapt: One of the most significant aspects of Agile development is adaptability. It
also has a significant impact on custom software development projects. Some software
outsourcing services assist customers in transforming their notions about what they require
from a software solution. The software development team can then adjust the scheduled
sprints accordingly.
4. High-quality user-friendly software: Because clients provide feedback after each sprint,
the software development team employs the agile technique. It will result in an easy-to-use
software product.
Cons of Agile:
1. Commitment: Agile technique works best when the entire bespoke software development
team commits to the project. It is difficult for software outsourcing service providers and
developers to have a lot going on at the same time.
2. High cost and longer time: While time-boxed sprints enable scheduling, employees may fail
to complete some deliverables on time. Furthermore, adding additional sprints may incur
significant costs.
3. Communication: Because Agile necessitates a high level of collaboration, bespoke software
development teams must communicate with one another.
Why Methodology should be Used?
You are now aware that each methodology has advantages and disadvantages. Knowing this makes
it easier for us to determine how you can use and when to use Agile vs Waterfall approaches in
your projects
What is Waterfall Methodology appropriate for?
Waterfall methodology places a high value on meticulous planning and modeling prior to
implementation. As a result, it stands to reason that it is not ideal for clients who are unsure of what
they anticipate from you. They are also unsuitable for large and complex projects that require
extensive client involvement before being released.
Reasons why the Waterfall methodology is appropriate:
Projects in which you collaborate with other organizations or remote workers (since everything is
clear and there is no opportunity for ambiguity).
Projects with a predetermined scope, timeline, and budget.
Smaller, more defined, and easier projects.
Projects with a client who is not present.
What is an Agile approach suitable for?
Agile is essentially a method of delivering a product progressively and iteratively. You’re still using a
linear strategy if you only provide your product in increments (or batches) rather than iterations (that
is, repeating the process of planning expectations and requirements for each increment). The entire
procedure should be repeated for each increment in an Agile methodology to ensure that every
adjustment or modification is accounted for in the following increment. In an Agile approach, each
increment looks like this.
Reasons why Agile is appropriate:
Projects in which your business oversees the entire process
Projects with the potential for changing requirements
Projects that are larger, ambiguous, and difficult
Projects involving a client
You should now be familiar with the fundamentals of both the Waterfall and Agile. In the Waterfall
and Agile methodologies section, we saw various elements that could be decisive considerations.
Contact
WHAT WE DO  WHO WE ARE CASE STUDY RESOURCES  LIFE @ CUNEIFORM CONTACT US

5. The distinctions will assist you in selecting the model that is most suited to your project. You can
choose the best technique for your project based on the size of the project, the amount of time
you have, or the experience of your team. This will allow you to construct the project more
efficiently and successfully.
If you like the post, do share!
Facebook Twit t er LinkedIn Email
Reach us Monday – Friday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Email: inquiry@thecuneiform.com
HR: +91 83208 06209
Sales: +91 88492 47014
USA: +1 (512) 607-6820
Company What We Do Address
C – 102, D – 101, S. G. Business
Hub, Off Gota Flyover, S. G.
Highway, Vasantnagar, Ognaj,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 380060
Connect
Copyright@ 2023 Cuneiform Consulting Private Limited | All Rights Reserved
Contact
Who we are
Case study
Insights
White Papers
FAQ’s
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Explore
Engineer
Expand
Embrace
WHAT WE DO  WHO WE ARE CASE STUDY RESOURCES  LIFE @ CUNEIFORM CONTACT US