Menu Close

Appfortitude provides industry leading lean development. We support both Agile and Waterfall methodology. Where most projects benefit from an Agile approach, there are still some development projects that are better suited to the Waterfall methodology. Not sure which is right for? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Agile vs Waterfall Software Development

You can classify the traditional waterfall software development methodology as a process that follows a set of steps in order to complete the project. These steps involve planning, coding and testing as well as delivery and support.

The client is involved with the planning then engages for the delivery of the software. In this case, the customer has a complete idea of what it is that the software will do and just needs it developed.This is known as a sequential development methodology and works well when the client is not too involved in the actual development phase before delivery of the finished build.

On the other hand, the agile methodology is used for the rapid development of a software package. It involves a series of software coding and testing and builds made ready for the client to evaluate. The agile methodology involves the customer throughout the process of development whereas the waterfall approach does not. With the waterfall approach, the client is involved in planning and sees the finished product at the end of development.

There are a number of pros and cons to both ways of development. Here is a list of the pros and cons of both.

Pros Agile:

  • Complete Customer Involvement
  • Rapid Deployment
  • The Client May Pivot and Modify Requirements During Development.

Cons Agile:

  • May Be Time Consuming for Client
  • Consistent Modification May Extend Develop Time Line.
Pros Waterfall

  • Client Receives Completed Project At End of Time Line.
  • Project May Be Less Costly as No Modification Are Made To Original Deliverable.

Cons Waterfall:

  • Client May Need Changes During Development.
  • Client May Have Additional Needs Not Anticipated for Deliverable.

Agile software development methodology has become more and more popular. The ability to make changes and the rapid deployment of the software in today’s market makes a compelling case but as we have said, sometimes the client know exactly what is required for a deliverable and do not need further input.

Contact Us