Unit 06: LO 2 - 2.1 Waterfall--Agile Differences

Waterfall Methodology

What's It Like?

Think of Waterfall like making a sandwich for a school project, where each step must be done in a specific order. First, you buy all the ingredients, then you slice the bread, put on the toppings, and finally, you eat it. If you realize you forgot to buy mayo, too bad. The sandwich is already made.

Key Features:

• Structured Approach: Everything is planned from the beginning. You know exactly what you'll do at each step.

• Linear, Sequential Process: You can't move to the next step without completing the previous one. No going back.

• No Scope for Changing Requirements: Once you've started, you can't change your plan. If you find out halfway that you need something else, it's usually too late or very costly to change.

Agile Methodology

What's It Like?

Agile is like cooking a meal where you taste and adjust as you go along. Maybe you start with a basic idea of making pasta, but you taste it, add some spices, maybe some cheese, and keep adjusting until it's perfect.

Key Features:

• Systematic Approach to Process Management: Agile also has a plan, but it's more like a guideline. You're not stuck with it.

• Development and Testing Activities Are Concurrent: While you're cooking (developing), you're also tasting (testing) at the same time to make sure it's coming along nicely.

• Flexible Approach: If you find a new, cool ingredient (like a technology or feature), you can easily add it to your dish (project).

• Allows Scope for Changing Requirements: If you realize you want to make your pasta spicy, go ahead! You can change things up as needed.

• Allows for More Client Feedback: It's like having your friends taste your dish while you're cooking it. They can suggest adding more salt or maybe some garlic, and you can do that before serving the final dish.

In Summary:

• Waterfall is a step-by-step approach where you can't go back, while Agile is more flexible and allows you to make changes as you go along.

• Waterfall is better when you know exactly what you need from the start and don't expect changes. Agile is better when you expect to make adjustments and improvements along the way.

By understanding these differences, you can choose the right approach for your project, whether it's a school assignment or something bigger like a software development project.

Waterfall Methodology (from a Business perspective)

Structured Approach: In Waterfall, you lay out a detailed plan at the beginning and stick to it. It's like building a house with a set blueprint.

Linear, Sequential Process: You complete each stage one at a time, and you can't move on to the next until the previous is done. Think of it like an assembly line where each part is added in a specific order.

No Scope for Changing Requirements: Once you start, there's no turning back. If you later realize you need something different, it's difficult and costly to change the plan.

Agile Methodology

Systematic Approach to Process Management: While Agile also follows a system, it's designed to be adaptable. Imagine a jazz band that has a basic structure but allows for improvisation.

Development and Testing Activities Are Concurrent: Unlike Waterfall, where each stage must be completed before moving on, Agile allows you to develop and test at the same time. It's like cooking a meal while tasting it along the way to make sure it's good.

Flexible Approach: Agile is built to adapt. If a new opportunity or challenge arises, the team can adjust quickly.

Allows Scope for Changing Requirements: You can make changes even after the project has started. If a better idea comes along, you can incorporate it.

Allows for More Client Feedback: Clients can see progress and provide feedback throughout the project, not just at the end. This makes sure the end product is more aligned with what the client actually wants.

Summary:

Waterfall is a rigid, step-by-step process ideal for projects where the requirements are clear and unlikely to change. Agile is more flexible and is better for projects where you may need to adjust as you go along.