The Pros & Cons of the Waterfall Model

By NIIT Editorial

Published on 19/01/2022

7 minutes

The waterfall model is an integrated model for the development of software and the testing of the software. It is considered to be an important model from the perspective of a particular kind of software. It is a detailed process in which the objectives of developing software are synchronized with the ultimate software developed as a result of different processes that have been followed.

Benefits of waterfall model

The list has been provided in the following way.

A simple model to execute

The waterfall model is a very simple model to understand, and it is also a simple model to execute. It was technically the first process model introduced to technically promote a linear sequential life cycle model. Every phase is completed before the next phase begins, and it does not have any particular requirements.

Easy to understand

It is easier to understand because of its simplicity and reduced amount of complications. It involves a simple format of coding that has to be indirect in the system design and accordingly implemented to produce the maintenance results.

Review at every stage

Since every process and stage is different and separate from the other process and stage, it becomes easier for the operator to control every level. Accordingly, a review can be taken, promoting efficiency and reducing the chances of any errors. This is also done under an advanced full stack developer course.

Each stage has a specific deliverable

The most important advantage of the waterfall model is its ability to have specific deliverables at every stage. This means that even before the development model is concluded, a substantial part of the result of the operation can be easily obtained.

No overlapping

Every step of this Waterfall model is a distinct step that is separate and different from the other step. There is no overlapping of functions, and accordingly, the best results can be generated by obtaining a proper control.

Specific time completion

The waterfall model is an amalgamation of separate steps, and every step is not dependent upon the other step for its completion. It is a specific time completion process, and once a particular step is completed, the other step is set into operation.

Best for small projects

The waterfall model is the best process to develop small projects with the least amount of time. The detailed process can be easily adjusted against the requirements of small software.

Easy to define requirements

The different sets of instructions used at every specific stage of the waterfall model are specific and clear, and that is because the requirements of every step have been clearly defined. This has been taught by full stack online course.

Easy to make changes

Since the entire process and model are divided into a distinct set of instructions that do not overlap, it becomes easier to fix the problem by identifying the stage at which the problem was generated.

Supports technology

It is the easiest process to support the technology by incorporating the benefits of time and utility and delivering the same to the user. This can be learned with an advanced software development course.

Drawbacks of waterfall model

The same has been listed in the following way.

Lack of integration

One of the most important issues faced by the operators in making the changes is the lack of integration between the two phases of the process.

Difficulty in reconnecting back

No doubt, it is believed that the changes can be identified at this stage due to the distinct functionality. Still, there is always difficulty reconnecting to the previous page, and everything has to be started newly.

Last stage software development

This software is left to be developed at the last stage, and no working software can be generated before that last stage is reached.

Risky

Since no working software is generated until the last stages, it is risky because the non-generation of software even until the last stage can generate various types of issues.

Uncertain

A high amount of uncertainty is likely to get developed because no working software can be generated even till the last stage, and there is a possibility that all the efforts may get wasted.

Bad model for complex projects

The Waterfall model is considered a bag model for complex and complicated projects because it cannot handle so much coding and some functionality.

Lack of object orientations

There is a very low degree of object orientation correctness in this process. This is one of the most important reasons why the actual result is significantly different from the expected visuals, which was contemplated at the time of planning.

Lack of length

This process cannot be continued for a longer period because it is a very short-lived process for engaging in short-term application development only.

Cannot subsume risky projects

If the development of an application requires multiple steps, then it becomes difficult to manage the content of such projects in such a situation. There is less adaptive maintenance here.

Less application

This model is likely to have a very reduced ratio of application interface in the long run and undergo different phases before reaching the exact results.

Conclusion

It can be remembered that this is the best software model but with certain types of drawbacks. If these drawbacks are effectively managed, then the purpose of developing such results will enhance.