Agile vs Waterfall Project Management: Which Is a Better Methodology?

Summary: Starting a new project brings a lot of excitement and nervousness simultaneously. But adopting the right project management methodology to go forward can help project managers achieve timely deadlines, stay within the budget, and test projects to offer optimum client satisfaction.

So, let’s help you to decide between the two popular project management methodologies – Agile and Waterfall. Also, you can find out which one will be a better fit for you based on your project and company requirements.

Agile and Waterfall are two distinct project management methodologies that are used in the software development procedure. Waterfall methodology follows a linear approach of project management, whereas agile methodology is more flexible and supports changes at every stage of the project development. However, despite that, there are a lot of differences between the two and both are considered for different project types.

Here, in this article, we will do an in-depth analysis of waterfall model vs agile model to learn about their features, benefits, requirements, etc. This would help you to choose the right methodology for your software project development. Let’s get started!

What is Agile Methodology?

• Approach: Iterative and team-based approach
• Flexibility: Highly flexible
• Requirement: Team collaboration and short project deadlines

Agile Methodology for project management works by creating sprints or subtasks of a single project. Businesses collaborate with stakeholders and make necessary changes at every stage of the project. The project is constantly evaluated at every level to make improvements concurrently.

Agile methodology helps in software development process by enabling developers to constantly improve the project by detecting bugs at the earliest stage.

Agile Methodology Pros & Cons

What is Waterfall Methodology?

• Approach: Linear progression
• Flexibility: Rigid
• Requirement: Completing subprojects to move to the next stage

The waterfall methodology is a project management approach that follows the linear progression for project completion. Developers move to the next stage of development only after the previous stage is tested and verified.

Waterfall methodology is the traditional method for project development. The project under this methodology works in sequential phases. With this method, the project is completed and delivered as per the set timeline.

Waterfall Methodology Pros & Cons

Agile vs Waterfall: Comparison Table

Factors	Waterfall	Agile
Timeline	The project timeline is fixed, and all aspects are planned out in advance	The timeline of the project is not fixed, and all phases of the project are mapped out as the project progresses.
Client Engagement	Client is not involved during the project except for its deliverance	The client is involved at every stage of the project and his feedback is incorporated in the project
Flexibility	Less flexibility as the project stages is outlined from the beginning, leaving less space for changes.	Project is divided into sub tasks called sprints, making it easier to adapt changes at every stage.
Budget	Budget is fixed as all the aspects are planned at the start.	Budget becomes flexible as new changes can be adapted in every stage of the project.
Project Testing	Project testing is done only after it is completed	Project testing is performed simultaneously
Approach	It follows an incremental approach	It follows sequential design approach

Advantages of Agile Method

Here are some advantages of using Agile Methodology for your software project management-

• The client is involved at every stage of the project and his feedback is considered to make changes concurrently.
• It ensures the project’s quality is maintained at every level of the development stage.
• Offers the flexibility to make changes to the project at any stage.
• The project delivery is flexible and can be changed as the project progresses at every stage.

Advantages of Waterfall Methodology

Here are some advantages of using waterfall methodology such as-

• It promotes quicker project delivery
• Helps create a structured workflow by outlining all the components of the project in advance.
• Eliminates any need for confusion as all parts of the project are well-documented and shared with the team members.
• This makes it easier to measure the project’s progress as all project steps are outlined in advance.

Disadvantages of Agile Model

Here are some disadvantages of using Agile model such as-

• The cost of the agile model is quite expensive as compared to other methodologies.
• The project can go off track as it does not follow a linear pattern of work.
• Collaboration becomes difficult with the client as he cannot be present physically every time.
• It becomes difficult to track the entire project because its division is divided into multiple departments and groups.

Disadvantages of Waterfall Model

Here are some disadvantages of using Waterfall Model, such as-

• You cannot make changes in the previous stages of the project.
• The bugs can only be found once the project is completed, making it difficult to fix.
• Less flexibility for changes might not bring the expected outcomes.
• Due to less client involvement, the project cannot be customized.
• The project delivery gets delayed as bugs are detected and fixed at the end of the project.

Which Is a Better Methodology for Your Business?

The choice of project development methodology would depend on your project requirements. However, Agile vs Waterfall comparison would help you a lot with your decision. If your business project has a definite end goal and modifications and client’s collaboration is not required in-between project duration, then waterfall methodology is the right choice for you

However, you can go for agile methodology if your project relies on constant testing and improvement and if you want to be constantly in touch with the stakeholders throughout the project progression.

Additionally, you can also adopt the best of both agile and waterfall methodologies to work on your project effortlessly.

Related Categories: Project Management Software

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