Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model is a sequential software development methodology where progress flows steadily downward through distinct phases, such as requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance, with each phase completed before moving to the next. It is a linear and rigid approach that emphasizes thorough documentation and upfront planning, making it suitable for projects with well-defined requirements and minimal expected changes. Originating from manufacturing and construction industries, it was adapted for software engineering in the 1970s and contrasts with iterative or agile methodologies.
Developers should learn the Waterfall Model to understand traditional project management foundations, especially when working on projects with fixed requirements, strict regulatory compliance (e.g., in healthcare or aerospace), or where documentation is critical for audits. It is useful in scenarios where changes are costly or impractical, such as large-scale government contracts or hardware-embedded systems, providing a structured framework to minimize risks through detailed planning. However, it is less adaptable to dynamic environments compared to agile methods, so its application should be evaluated based on project stability and stakeholder needs.