Traditional Development Methods
Traditional development methods are structured, linear approaches to software development, such as the Waterfall model, where projects progress through sequential phases like requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. These methods emphasize upfront planning, documentation, and strict control over processes, often used in industries with fixed requirements and regulatory compliance needs. They contrast with agile methodologies by being less flexible to changes during development.
Developers should learn traditional methods for projects with stable, well-defined requirements, such as in government, healthcare, or aerospace sectors, where predictability and documentation are critical for compliance and safety. They are also useful in large-scale, long-term projects where upfront investment in planning reduces risks and ensures alignment with stakeholder expectations. Understanding these methods provides a foundation for comparing and integrating with modern agile practices in hybrid environments.