Waterfall
Waterfall is a linear, sequential software development methodology where each phase (e.g., requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment) must be completed before the next begins, with minimal overlap or iteration. It emphasizes thorough upfront planning, documentation, and a structured approach, often used in projects with well-defined, stable requirements. This model is characterized by its rigid, step-by-step progression, making it predictable but less adaptable to changes.
Developers should learn Waterfall for projects with fixed requirements, regulatory compliance needs (e.g., in healthcare or aerospace), or when working in industries where predictability and documentation are critical, such as government contracts. It is useful in scenarios where changes are costly or rare, as it provides a clear timeline and deliverables, but it is less suitable for dynamic, fast-paced environments where flexibility is required.