Agile vs Waterfall: What Should Entrepreneurs Choose

The first and most important decision to make while developing software is which development technique to choose. The Waterfall Methodology and the Agile Methodology are the two most prominent methods to consider when deciding which to use. We’ll compare the two methodologies here: Agile vs. Waterfall Methodology.

When you first start out in the mobile app development sector, deciding how much app development costs, which technology to employ, which technique to follow, and so on might be difficult.

Although there are several articles on the internet disputing and describing app development costs and how to choose the correct technology stack for your mobile app, finding the right information on app development techniques remains a challenge.

Hence, this article will help you choose a better fit for your requirement. 

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The process of planning, producing, and testing high-quality software is known as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The SDLC seeks to provide high-quality software while keeping customers’ expectations and timeframes in mind. The procedure lays out the tasks that must be completed at each stage of the software development process.

For successful software development processes, several Software Development Life Cycle Models are used. Every procedure has a set of stages that must be followed in order for it to be successful.

The two most well-known and widely used SDLC models are:

1. Waterfall Model
2. Agile Model

Waterfall Methodology For Mobile Application Development

The model is divided into various phases, each of which must be completed before moving on to the next. It is a more simplistic and idealistic model that defines the activities of an application development project in a linear manner.

In the classical waterfall model, one particular project is divided into different steps-

• Feasibility Study
• Requirement Analysis and Specification
• UI-UX Design
• Coding and Unit testing
• Integration and System testing
• Mobile app usability

Let’s check out those advantages and disadvantages in order to make wise decisions in the end.

Pros Of The Waterfall Model

1. The waterfall model is simple, manageable, and easy to understand. Each step carries specific deliverables and a review process with clearly defined steps.
2. Throughout the waterfall app development phase, one cannot move to the next stage without completing the previous one. Hence, it acts as an advantage to clients who want to make changes in the app in the middle of the app development. Though it will cost a bit, it certainly gives the freedom to make changes as per the trend or need from scratch using the latest mobile app development technologies.
3. The classical waterfall method is suitable for projects with minimum requirements. 
4. Another noteworthy advantage of Waterfall is, with it, it is easy to arrange a task in the waterfall model due to its well-documented process and results.
5. In the waterfall model, steps are concocted and completed one at a time without overlapping the steps.

Cons Of The Waterfall Model

1. Once the application is in the testing stage, it becomes quite difficult to go back and change something that was not well-documented, planned, or thought upon at the concept stage.
2. The most significant drawback of the Waterfall development strategy is that you cannot return to the previous stage until the whole mobile app development life cycle gets completed.
3. The classical waterfall model is not suitable for projects where requirements are at a reasonable to high risk of changing.

As this was all about Waterfall, let us now figure out what is in the store of Agile methodology.

When To Choose Waterfall Method

1. The design and attributes of the final product are clearly specified and determined.
2. Customers will not be able to change the scope of the project after it has started.
3. It is more important to define a product than it is to get it to market quickly.

Agile Methodology Application Development Approach

Agile methodology is an iterative, rapid web application development trends approach that ensures a proper channel of communication while helping both the clients and application developers to execute the desired mobile application process. The agile methodology is designed to adapt to change requests quickly. 

The work can be assessed by the project team and the customer using the Agile Methodology’s daily builds and sprint demos. The approach ensures that all of the project’s fully functional components are delivered quickly. Throughout the entire project, there is a high level of consumer interaction.

Furthermore, the whole process is divided into different stages, making the whole app development process work smoothly and flawlessly. Those steps are-

• Planning
• Requirement Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Unit Testing
• Deployment

Pros Of Agile Methodology

1. The most important and foremost benefit of using Agile methodology for app development is pair programming. it reduces the number of errors in the development or coding phase.
2. By using time-boxed, fixed schedule Sprints of 1-4 weeks, new features can be delivered quickly with a high level of predictability. The whole process also provides the opportunity to release or beta test the software.
3. An Agile approach provides a unique opportunity for clients to be involved with the web development company throughout the project, from prioritizing features to iteration planning and review sessions to frequent software build containing new features.
4. Here in this method, more attention is given to interactions that are emphasized more rather than processes and UX tools. Customers, developers, and testers constantly interact with each other in order to bring the best result.
5. In the agile method, the changes can be made and the marked features can be added or removed as per the consumer feedback.

Cons Of Agile Methodology 

1. Less predictability.
2. The process requires more time and commitment.
3. In the absence of any formal documents, it becomes difficult to make important project decisions for android application development like- design decisions that require external experts to review them.

When To Choose An Agile Method

1. Product quality is less important than speed of production.
2. Customers have the option to change the scope of the project.
3. There is no clear picture of what the final result should look like.
4. You have adaptable, knowledgeable developers who can think for themselves.
5. The product is designed for a market with fast-changing norms or requirements.

Optimizing Your ROI

Once you’ve decided on the fundamental technique to apply, you can fine-tune your procedures and practices to match your specific needs. You’ll be better able to make an informed decision if you grasp the differences between Agile and Waterfall, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each strategy. While the way a project is carried out is important, what counts most is getting business and continuously delivering high-value software that fulfills end-user performance requirements.

How Appventurez Will Help In Choosing The Agile & Waterfall Method For Your Software Development?

You should be familiar with the fundamentals of both the Waterfall and Agile Models by now. Appventurez saw several factors that could be a deciding factor in the Agile Vs. Waterfall Methodology section.

The distinctions will assist you in determining which model is best suited to your project. You can choose the best approach for your project based on the size of the project, the amount of time you have available, or the experience of your team. This will allow you to create the project more efficiently and successfully.