Agile vs. Waterfall- How to Choose the Right Development Methodology

Introduction

A customized software with the necessary features can be a game-changer for modern enterprises. It can drive growth, improve services, and attract more people toward business by handling certain processes effectively. This is a reason why entrepreneurs consult a reputed custom software development company .

The software development process follows a specific methodology. Some popular custom software development methodologies are Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum. This post talks about the differences between the two preferred methodologies Agile and Waterfall. Before moving ahead, let’s have a glimpse of some common methodologies.

Overview of Popular Software Development Methodologies

All software development methodologies have one thing in common- they offer structured approaches between planning to deploying a customized software. Waterfall is one of the oldest models where the development process follows a stringent sequence ranging from requirement gathering to delivering. It is mainly useful for projects with well-defined requirements.

Agile, on the other hand, is a collaborative methodology that involves iterations and enables teams to adapt to changing requirements. Scrum and Kanban are famous Agile frameworks. As per the survey, the Agile methodology performs better than the Waterfall model with over 85 percent success rate in integration and implementation.

Source: researchgate.net

Apart from these methodologies, DevOps can cater to specific and complex requirements of software development project. RAD (Rapid Application Development) and Spiral Model are other approaches that are gaining ground quickly. Let’s compare Waterfall and Agile methodologies with their brief information.

Waterfall Methodology for Linear Process

The Waterfall methodology is a linear approach useful for developing software with a step-by-step process. It follows a sequential structure consists of requirement gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment. As this method relies on fixed requirements, it needs all project details defined clearly.

Moreover, here the client involvement is minimal and little room for changes in the later stage. Custom software development service providers suggest this approach in the projects with well-defined milestones and strict regulatory requirements.

Agile Methodology with Flexible Approach

This method has gained fame as an iterative and yet flexible way. Custom software development company utilizes this approach to break the process into smaller increments. Sprints in Scrum and iterations in Kanban are examples of Agile methodology. These methods enable the team of developers to build, test, and refine software in short cycles.

One of the biggest benefits of Agile methodology is it promotes cross-functional collaboration where both development and business teams work together. It is highly suitable for complex projects that have changing requirements and frequent iterative improvements.

Let’s go through the key points of difference between Agile and Waterfall models.

Key Differences Between Agile vs. Waterfall

Agile and Waterfall are opposite to each other with specific pros and cons. On one hand, Waterfall follows the linear process, and on the other hand, Agile follows an iterative approach. Let’s go through the key points of differences between these two methodologies-

Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Methodology

Agile and Waterfall methodologies have their pros and cons. However, when it comes to the project’s success rate, the Agile methodology seems more successful than the Waterfall model. Agile has a 42 percent rate whereas the Waterfall model has just a 14 percent success rate. The following image shows the situation of challenged, successful, and failed projects under Agile and Waterfall models.

Source: flowlu.com

Selection of the right platform depends on several factors including project scope, budget limitations, duration of the project, and complexity. For example, if the custom software development project has well-defined and fixed requirements since the beginning, Waterfall model is better. However, if the project has changing requirements with frequent updates, it is better to opt for an Agile methodology.

Another crucial aspect is stakeholder involvement. When clients prefer to remain free, Waterfall is the best option because it facilitates them to give inputs during the planning and deployment stages. When continuous collaboration with regular feedback is essential, Agile works the best. Simply put, project needs, budget, and team capabilities with complexities play a vital role in selecting the framework.

Hybrid Approach- Where Agile and Waterfall Meet

If you want to get the best of both worlds, the hybrid approach is better. It combines predictability and structured planning of Waterfall with adaptabilty and iterative execution of Agile method. A reputed custom software development company initiates the project with a Waterfall-based planning phase and executes development using Agile methodologies. The team of developers can maintain a clear roadmap while remaining responsive to changes.

The hybrid approach is useful for large and complex projects where compliance, infrastructure planning, and other elements require a specific approach. Enterprise software development, government contracts, and digital transformation projects are big beneficiaries of the hybrid model.

Concluding Remarks

A reputed custom software development company can assist you to make a proper decision based on several factors including project scope, complexity, budget, and stakeholder involvement. Both Agile and Waterfall methods have distinct characteristics, pros, and cons. It is essential for companies to choose the right methodology to make an advanced solution.

As a leading custom software development company, Silicon IT Hub offers various popular methodologies to a global corporate clientele. Our experienced in-house consultants help entrepreneurs to choose the most suitable development methodology for an upcoming project. Contact us to learn more about our enterprise software development process.