Comparing and Contrasting the Waterfall and Agile SDLC Models
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models offer general practices that help in the development of systems to obtain the best outcome. The two primary models are the Waterfall model and the Agile model, which come with different processes and methodologies, strengths, and weaknesses: Comparing and Contrasting the Waterfall and Agile SDLC Models.
The waterfall model is a traditional sequential linear SDLC method in which development proceeds in a sequential way through the phases of requirement, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Saravanos and Curinga (2023) describe its major advantages as including strong documentation and clear structure, which makes it easy to manage, particularly when applied to complex systems with stable requirements and a team. It is predictable, and the costs and timelines are easy to estimate.
The rigidity of the Waterfall model, however, leads to the model’s disadvantages. As Demi̇Rag et al. (2023) state, it does not adapt to the change in a user’s need, or the change in the project scope, and user feedback is usually not taken until the last stages, which leads to costly editing.
The Agile model, on the other hand, is incremental. Development is accomplished in voluntary cycles known as sprints, with active input from developers and end-users. The flexibility that comes with Agile is another strength because it enables continuous user feedback.
Thus, any mistakes that might occur are noticed early enough, and functional parts are delivered to the users as quickly as possible, as indicated by Alsaqqa et al. (2020). Therefore, agile is appropriate for applications where the requirements keep changing. However, it has some disadvantages, such as the day-to-day involvement of stakeholders, unpredictability, and possibly complexity in managing the big systems.
Notably, recommendations depend on the nature and requirements of a project. As for the strengths, the Waterfall model is best suited for healthcare, government, or manufacturing domains due to the necessity of documentation and early detailing. The agile model is best implemented in a fast-paced environment, like in mobile apps or software start-ups, where flexibility, cycles, and input from users are crucial.
References
Alsaqqa, S., Sawalha, S., & Abdel-Nabi, H. (2020). Agile software development: Methodologies and trends. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 14(11), 246–270. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i11.13269
Demi̇Rag, A., Öztürk, E. N. D., & Ünal, C. (2023). Analysis and comparison of waterfall model and agile approach in software projects. AJIT-e Academic Journal of Information Technology, 14(54), 183–203. https://doi.org/10.5824/ajite.2023.03.002.x
Saravanos, A., & Curinga, M. X. (2023). Simulating the software development lifecycle: The waterfall model. Applied System Innovation, 6(6), 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/asi6060108
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Question 
Week 7=5220
Discussion Board Question:
- Compare and contrast 2 systems development methods (SDLC). Include disadvantages and advantages of each, as well as recommendations for when each model would be most beneficial.
Purpose:
- The purpose of the threaded discussion is to promote dialogue among students and faculty related to course competencies and constructs to enhance mastery of knowledge related to course objectives.
Comparing and Contrasting the Waterfall and Agile SDLC Models
Requirements
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