Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model is a linear and sequential software development methodology where progress flows steadily downward through phases like requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before the next begins, with minimal overlap or iteration, making it highly structured and document-driven. It originated in manufacturing and construction industries and was adapted for software development in the 1970s.
Developers should learn the Waterfall Model for projects with well-defined, stable requirements, such as government contracts, safety-critical systems, or large-scale infrastructure where predictability and documentation are paramount. It is useful when changes are costly or when regulatory compliance requires thorough documentation at each stage, but it is less suitable for dynamic or innovative projects where requirements may evolve.