Waterfall Lifecycle

• Waterfall Lifecycle 

  The Waterfall Model is a sequential software development process divided into distinct phases. Each phase must be completed before the next one begins. 
• Steps in the model #1

  1. Requirement Gathering and Analysis: All possible system requirements to be developed are captured and documented clearly 
  2. System Design: The requirements are translated into a design. Architects and designers define the overall architecture and identify the main components 
  3. Implementation: The actual code is written in this phase based on the design documents, turning the system design into a functional program 
• Steps in this model #2

  4. Integration and Testing: All the components and modules are integrated and tested to ensure that the entire system works as expected

  5.Deployment: The product is released to the market or handed over to the client. It may involve installation, customization, and training 

  6.Maintenance: Post-release, the system needs regular maintenance to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features
• Waterfall Image

  
• Benefits: 

  • Simple and linear: Easy to understand and follow, with each stage progressing linearly to the next 
  • Clear stages and milestones: Each phase has specific deliverables and milestones, making progress easy to measure 
  • Suitable for well-defined projects: Works best when the requirements are clear and unlikely to change during development 
• Drawbacks: 

  • Inflexible: Changes are difficult to implement once the project has started, as the model doesn't easily allow for revisiting previous stages 
  • Expensive to fix late problems: If a problem appears later in the development cycle, it can be costly and time-consuming to fix 
  • Long development cycle: The sequential nature may lead to a longer development time, especially if stages are delayed 
• Suitability: 

  • The Waterfall Model is most suitable for projects where requirements are well understood and unlikely to change. It works well when high quality and compliance are essential, and there is a clear understanding of the project's goals and constraints