Waterfall Development
Waterfall Development is a linear, sequential software development methodology where each phase (requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, maintenance) must be completed before the next begins, with minimal overlap or iteration. It emphasizes thorough upfront planning and documentation, with a rigid structure that assumes requirements are fully understood and stable from the start. This approach is often contrasted with more flexible, iterative methodologies like Agile.
Developers should learn Waterfall Development for projects with well-defined, unchanging requirements, such as in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, aerospace) where strict compliance and documentation are critical. It is also useful for small, straightforward projects where upfront clarity reduces risk, or when working with clients who prefer predictable timelines and budgets. However, it is less suitable for dynamic environments where requirements may evolve.