methodology

Waterfall Documentation

Waterfall Documentation is a structured approach to creating project documentation that follows the sequential phases of the Waterfall software development methodology. It involves producing detailed, comprehensive documents at each stage (e.g., requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment) before moving to the next, ensuring clarity and traceability. This method emphasizes upfront planning and formal documentation to minimize changes and risks throughout the project lifecycle.

Also known as: Waterfall Model Documentation, Sequential Documentation, Traditional Documentation, Phase-Gate Documentation, Linear Documentation

🧊Why learn Waterfall Documentation?

Developers should use Waterfall Documentation in projects with well-defined, stable requirements and low uncertainty, such as government contracts, safety-critical systems, or large-scale enterprise applications where regulatory compliance is essential. It is particularly valuable when clear communication among stakeholders, rigorous change control, and audit trails are priorities, as it helps prevent scope creep and ensures all parties have a shared understanding of the project from the outset.