Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model is a linear, sequential software development methodology where progress flows steadily downward through phases like requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. It emphasizes thorough documentation and upfront planning, with each phase completed before moving to the next. This approach is often contrasted with more iterative methodologies like Agile.
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 changes are costly. It provides clear milestones and documentation, making it suitable for regulated industries or when client specifications are fixed from the start. However, it's less flexible for dynamic projects requiring frequent adjustments.