What is the Difference Between Agile and Waterfall?

The main difference between Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies lies in their approach to project development and flexibility. Here are some key differences between the two methodologies:

1. Linear vs. Iterative: Waterfall follows a linear, sequential approach, where each phase of the project is completed before moving on to the next one. Agile, on the other hand, encourages iterative development cycles, allowing multiple lifecycle phases to run in parallel.
2. Flexibility: Agile is known for its flexibility, allowing teams to respond quickly and adaptively to changes during the development process. Waterfall is less flexible and resistant to change once the project's scope has been defined.
3. Testing: In Agile, testing is concurrent with software development, while in Waterfall, testing comes after the "Build" phase.
4. Requirements: Agile allows changes in project development requirements, whereas Waterfall has no scope for changing the requirements once the project development starts.
5. Stakeholder Involvement: Agile is better suited for projects where stakeholders are closely involved every step of the way, while Waterfall is a more structured project management method and does not lend itself to the same type of stakeholder involvement.
6. Team Structure: Waterfall strictly assigns roles to project team members, with specific duties and responsibilities defined for each team member. In contrast, Agile empowers team members to collaborate on different aspects of the project over time, leading to a more self-organizing team structure.
7. Planning: In Waterfall, planning is a linear process done at the beginning of the project, with all requirements and objectives laid out in detail upfront. In contrast, Agile planning is a continuous process throughout the project's life cycle.
8. Documentation: Agile relies on minimal documentation, focusing on self-organizing teams and collaboration. Waterfall, in contrast, relies heavily on documenting each step in detail to ensure that all team members are on the same page.
9. Suitable Industries: Waterfall is better suited for projects with regulations or requirements, such as those in the Department of Defense and the aerospace industry. Agile is more commonly used in IT companies, where fast-paced development and flexibility are crucial.
10. Project Size: Agile is not useful for small development projects, while Waterfall can be more suitable for larger projects with concrete timelines and well-defined deliverables.

Comparative Table: Agile vs Waterfall

Here is a table highlighting the key differences between Agile and Waterfall methodologies:

In summary, Waterfall is a linear, sequential approach with distinct phases, clearly defined roles, and a fixed timeline. It is less flexible and discourages changes in scope. On the other hand, Agile is an iterative, incremental approach with a collaborative team structure, continuous planning, and flexibility to adapt to changes in scope. Testing is conducted concurrently with software development in Agile, whereas it comes after the build phase in Waterfall.