When it comes to application development, having the right project management methodology is crucial for success. Without a suitable approach in place, applications may encounter difficulty in tracking and managing project progress, as there may be no clear structure or framework in place to monitor tasks, timelines, and milestones.

We at Mallow have successfully managed numerous projects across various industries, gaining insights into the intricacies and challenges of different methodologies. Over a span of more than 12 years, our expertise stems from our ability to analyse complex project scenarios, identify pain points, and recommend the most suitable methodology for each unique situation tailored exclusively for your application.

This blog provides valuable insights and guidance on the distinctive characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of both methodologies. By exploring the key considerations involved in the decision-making process, such as project requirements, and team dynamics, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate this dilemma effectively.

Waterfall methodology is a traditional, linear project management approach that follows a sequential and structured process. It is characterised by a predetermined set of phases and a top-down, one-directional flow.

In the waterfall model, each phase must be completed before moving on to the next, and there is minimal room for changes or iterations once a phase is completed. Key features of the waterfall methodology include its emphasis on upfront planning, clear documentation, and well-defined project scope.

Waterfall methodology is well-suited for projects with stable and well-understood requirements, where changes are unlikely or minimal. It is often applied in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and regulated environments, where a comprehensive plan and strict adherence to specifications are crucial. The waterfall can be effective when working with clients who have a clear vision and well-defined expectations from the outset and where a high level of predictability and control is desired.

The waterfall methodology follows a fixed sequence of phases, where each phase builds upon the completion of the previous one. The typical phases in the waterfall are as follows:

In this initial phase, project requirements are gathered, analysed, and documented in detail. This phase sets the foundation for the entire project.

The system design phase focuses on creating a comprehensive technical design that outlines how the application will be structured, including architecture, database design, and other technical specifications.

This phase involves the actual coding and development of the application based on the requirements and design specifications. The development process follows a linear progression.

Once the implementation phase is complete, testing is conducted to verify that the application functions as intended and meets the specified requirements. Testing includes unit testing, integration testing, and system testing.

After successful testing, the application is deployed to the production environment, making it accessible to end-users.

The maintenance phase involves ongoing support, bug fixes, and updates throughout the application’s lifecycle to ensure its smooth operation.

The complete article was originally published at Agile vs Waterfall: Selecting the right methodology for your application