Classical Waterfall vs. Iterative Waterfall

Attribute	Classical Waterfall	Iterative Waterfall
Development Process	Sequential	Iterative
Feedback	Minimal	Frequent
Flexibility	Low	High
Risk Management	At the end of the project	Throughout the project
Delivery Time	Longer	Shorter

Introduction

When it comes to software development methodologies, two popular approaches are Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall. Both have their own set of attributes and benefits, which make them suitable for different types of projects. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall to help you understand which one might be more suitable for your project.

Definition

Classical Waterfall is a linear and sequential approach to software development where each phase must be completed before the next one begins. The phases typically include requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. On the other hand, Iterative Waterfall is a modified version of the Classical Waterfall model where the project is divided into smaller cycles or iterations. Each iteration goes through the phases of requirements, design, implementation, testing, and feedback before moving on to the next iteration.

Flexibility

One of the key differences between Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall is the level of flexibility they offer. Classical Waterfall is known for its rigid and inflexible nature, as each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. This can be a disadvantage when requirements change or new information comes to light during the development process. On the other hand, Iterative Waterfall allows for more flexibility as it breaks the project into smaller iterations, allowing for adjustments to be made based on feedback received during each iteration.

Risk Management

Another important aspect to consider when comparing Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall is risk management. In Classical Waterfall, the risk is higher as any issues or changes that arise later in the project can have a significant impact on the overall timeline and budget. Since each phase is dependent on the completion of the previous one, any delays or changes can cause a ripple effect throughout the project. On the other hand, Iterative Waterfall reduces risk by allowing for early and continuous testing and feedback. This means that any issues or changes can be addressed early on, reducing the likelihood of major setbacks later in the project.

Client Involvement

Client involvement is another important factor to consider when comparing Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall. In Classical Waterfall, clients are typically involved in the initial requirements gathering phase and then have limited involvement until the final product is delivered. This can lead to misunderstandings or misalignments between the client's expectations and the final product. On the other hand, Iterative Waterfall encourages continuous client involvement throughout the development process. Clients are able to provide feedback and make adjustments at each iteration, ensuring that the final product meets their expectations.

Adaptability

When it comes to adaptability, Iterative Waterfall has the upper hand compared to Classical Waterfall. The iterative nature of Iterative Waterfall allows for changes to be made throughout the development process based on feedback received during each iteration. This means that the project can adapt to changing requirements or new information without causing major disruptions to the overall timeline. On the other hand, Classical Waterfall is less adaptable as any changes or issues that arise later in the project can have a significant impact on the timeline and budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall have their own set of attributes and benefits. Classical Waterfall is known for its rigid and sequential approach, while Iterative Waterfall offers more flexibility and adaptability. When choosing between the two methodologies, it is important to consider factors such as project requirements, client involvement, risk management, and adaptability. By understanding the differences between Classical Waterfall and Iterative Waterfall, you can make an informed decision on which approach is more suitable for your project.