Strictly logical, step by step—that’s how the waterfall model works, one of the oldest project management methodologies. Its fixed phases ensure structured software development, but they also bring challenges tied to their unchanging order.
Imagine a river cascading over the steps of a waterfall—that’s the essence of this model. Each project step must be completed before the next can begin, which provides clear structure but limits flexibility. The waterfall model was long the standard in software engineering and is still used in projects where thorough analysis and a fixed process are crucial. Although agile methods have replaced it in many areas, it remains an important tool for projects with precisely defined requirements.
How does the waterfall model work?
This approach relies on clearly defined phases that follow one another like stones in a riverbed. It all starts with requirements analysis, where you define what the final product must deliver and its core features. Next comes system design—a detailed plan of the software architecture, databases, and logic. Once the design is complete, implementation follows: the actual programming, where developers turn specifications into a real product.
Testing comes next, searching for bugs and verifying that everything works as planned. After successful testing, there’s deployment, when the software is delivered to the customer or released to production. The final phase, maintenance, includes bug fixes, updates, and improvements based on user feedback.
Advantages and limits of a fixed process
The waterfall model offers clear organization and transparency, which is a major advantage for projects with well-defined requirements from the outset. Every team member knows which phase the project is in, simplifying planning and control. The drawback is low flexibility—if issues or new requirements arise in later stages, incorporating them is difficult and may mean returning to the start of the process. This is the main reason agile methods increasingly prevail in dynamic fields like startup software development.
Where is the waterfall model still used?
Even though agile methodologies are increasingly common in software development, the waterfall model holds a firm place in projects where the end result is clearly defined in advance. It is used, for example, in the development of medical systems where thorough validation is necessary; in manufacturing processes where prototypes are tested against strict requirements; or in the military and aerospace industries where every change must be carefully approved. Where there is no room for constant experimentation, this approach remains indispensable.
Is the waterfall model outdated, or does it still have a future?
Today you’ll often hear that the waterfall model no longer fits modern development. The truth is, it depends on the nature of the project. If the goal is to create a product with fixed requirements and few expected changes, the waterfall model can still be effective. Conversely, for innovative software products where requirements change based on feedback, agile methods are a better choice. The real future of project management isn’t about choosing between waterfall and agile, but about combining them according to what is most effective for the given project.
Conclusion
Despite its rigid structure, the waterfall model still has a place in project management where thorough analysis and predictability are key. Its greatest strength lies in clarity and a well-defined process, which makes planning and quality control easier. Although agile methods dominate many areas, there are projects where a strictly sequential approach is not only beneficial but essential.
Frequently asked questions
How does the waterfall model differ from agile development?
The waterfall model proceeds sequentially, while agile development enables an iterative approach that can respond continuously to changes and feedback.
How long does it take to complete a project using the waterfall model?
Waterfall projects are usually more time-consuming because each phase must be completed before the next begins. This linear approach can slow down the entire development process, especially if problems arise in later stages.
Is the waterfall model suitable for small projects?
The waterfall model is generally considered best for larger projects with clearly defined requirements. For smaller projects where frequent changes are expected, a more flexible agile approach is more suitable.
Useful links:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterfall_model
- https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/waterfall-model
- https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-engineering/waterfall-model/