The decision to choose a better management approach for a development project is a key factor in any project. There are many options for starting a project, but it usually ends up being a battle between agile and waterfall methods of project management.
The best development method
The most difficult part of starting a new project is choosing the right development method. While the right methodologies can vary from project to project and vice versa, it is important to choose the best method to ensure the project’s success. Different project methodologies might have different methods depending on the circumstances. Consider these factors:
What kind of project is it?
Are you attempting to connect two applications or add up?
How well is the project outlined?
What is the time frame for the project?
Are scope changes included in the project’s progress?
What is the size of your team?
What additional resources are needed?
These questions will help you choose the best approach for your project. You only need to look at the differences between agile methods and waterfall, as well as their pros and cons.
The waterfall method, according to the rule book is a sequential model in software development. It is a pre-defined sequence of steps that separates software development into distinct steps. These steps include feasibility analysis, planning, design and build, testing, production, support, and maintenance. Agile development follows a linear sequential approach. It allows for flexibility in meeting project requirements and can absorb any new developments that occur during the project timeline.
Basics of the waterfall technique
The waterfall method has been around longer and is still a popular approach to project management. Its key features are:
With project engagement, a detailed schedule and scope planning
Sequential design, build and test, then deploy process
Unit and code tests
System testing and user acceptance testing
Resolving and addressing issues
Rigorous testing of the final product with different user groups.
For projects that have clear guidelines, the waterfall approach is best. If your project has clear requirements, a fixed budget, dedicated manpower, and a time frame, the waterfall approach is a good choice. The waterfall is ideal for application integration. This is because the integration follows a set predetermined rules, with the beginning and ending already known.
The benefits of using the waterfall method
This plan of action can easily be repeated for similar projects.
This method is great for managing and meeting client expectations.
The waterfall method reduces employee turnover.
It allows for improvements throughout the project.
The disadvantages of the waterfall method
Flexibility in the work process
Rooms for errors
There are chances of delays and disruptions if a project gets stopped mid-way.
Delay in one project could cause delays in other projects
Project delays can increase the project cost.
No intermediate testing
The basics of agile methods
The agile approach is very different from the traditional method. This project approach is flexible and open for changing expectations. These are the key features of agile methodology:
Facilitates the inclusion of new ideas along with the process
Allows correction in between development cycle phases
Use a collaborative approach to your work
A proper plan of development is followed
Close collaboration with stakeholders and the working team is required.
Agile is a team-based development loop. Agile is a team-based approach to development. The goal of the approach is to quickly deliver a functional and complete application. This method doesn’t work with schedules. Instead, it uses sprints which are periodically reviewed. Agile methodology requires that customers are involved throughout the entire project.
The advantages of the agile method
It delivers faster results.
There is always an opportunity for growth.
It is easy to start with very limited resources and not have to wait for everything to be marked or assembled.
Flexible to new ideas and additions
Flexible timelines are possible
Ensure that you have thorough ongoing testing throughout the entire project.
Ability to launch in quicker stages
The disadvantages of the agile method
Uncertainty about scope and schedules
Inadequate measurement of resources during the process
Stakeholders must be involved in a continuous manner
Conclusion
Software development teams in many organizations and companies today use both agile and waterfall methods. It is impossible to say that one approach is better than another when working on different projects. Each project should first be studied and understood before choosing a method. Pre-analysis of market, tech
