Waterfall development is a software development methodology that follows a linear, sequential process. A strict progression characterizes it through distinct phases: analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before the next one can begin, and changes to the design or requirements are not allowed after a phase has been completed.
The Waterfall methodology is one of the oldest development methodologies, and it’s based on a traditional engineering process. It is well suited for projects with well-defined and unchanging requirements and clear objectives.
The phases in Waterfall development are:
Requirements gathering: The project’s requirements are gathered and documented in this phase. This includes understanding the user’s needs, the business objectives, and the technical requirements.
Design: In this phase, the design of the software is developed, including the user interface, database design, and overall architecture.
Implementation: The software is coded and developed based on the design in this phase.
Testing: In this phase, the software is tested to ensure that it meets the requirements and that there are no bugs.
Deployment: In this phase, the software is installed and deployed on the target systems.
Maintenance: In this phase, the software is maintained, including bug fixing and updates.
One of the limitations of the Waterfall model is that it does not handle change well, making it difficult to adapt to changes in requirements or design during the development process.
Also, See: Device Compatibility