Waterfall Model is one of the major and crucial system development models which was developed for System development. This is one of the easiest system development models.
The waterfall model describes a system development method that is linear and sequential in nature following gradually downwards similar to a waterfall.
Once a phase of development is completed, the development proceeds to the next phase and never turns back. Simply there is no backtracking in the Waterfall Model of development. The waterfall model will have different stages of the approach will go from top to bottom;
Problem Definition will be the first stage and the same way it will go and end up with System Maintenance. The main problem with the waterfall model is that it will never turn back for backtracking;
- Problem definition
- Feasibility Study
- Requirement Analysis
- System Design
- Coding and Testing
- Implementation
- System Maintenance
The waterfall model of system development has advantages and disadvantages so let’s discuss those here;
Advantages of the Waterfall Model
- If we talk about complexity it is not that complex;
- Simple and easy to use and understand.
- It’s really simple and easy to manage because it has a top to down approach for the development model and has specific deliverables and review processes.
- In this model phases are processed and completed at one time there is no overlap or backtracking.
- The waterfall model is best for smaller projects
Disadvantages of Waterfall Model
- Once an application is in the testing stage, there is no possibility to go back and track the error.
- You cannot change the process; You have to start it from the beginning.
- A high amount of risk and uncertainty because the client may change anything anytime.
- Not a good model for complex and object-oriented projects.
- This waterfall model is not suitable for the high risk of changing projects.