Waterfall Model – Software Engineering
Last Updated: 18 Oct, 2024
The Waterfall Model is a classical software development methodology that was first
introduced by Winston W. Royce in 1970. It is a linear and sequential approach to software
development, consisting of several phases that must be completed in a specific order. This
classical model is simple and idealistic, and while it was once very popular, it is not as
commonly used today. However, it remains important because many other software
development life cycle models are derived from it. This article will explore the waterfall
model in detail.
Table of Contents
1. What is the SDLC Waterfall Model?
2. Features of the SDLC Waterfall Model
3. Importance of the SDLC Waterfall Model
4. Phases of the SDLC Waterfall Model
5. Example of the Waterfall Model
6. Advantages of the SDLC Waterfall Model
7. Disadvantages of the SDLC Waterfall Model
8. When to Use the SDLC Waterfall Model?
9. Applications of the SDLC Waterfall Model
10. Conclusion
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SDLC Waterfall Model?
The waterfall model is a software development model used in the context of large, complex
projects, typically in information technology. It is characterized by a structured, sequential
approach to project management and software development.
The waterfall model is useful when project requirements are well-defined and project goals
are clear. It is often used for large-scale projects with long timelines, where there is little
room for error, and project stakeholders need a high level of confidence in the outcome.
Features of the Waterfall Model
The waterfall model has several key features that define its approach:
1. Sequential Approach: The waterfall model involves a sequential approach to
software development, where each phase of the project is completed before moving
on to the next one.
2. Document-Driven: The waterfall model relies heavily on documentation to ensure
the project is well-defined and the project team is working towards clear goals.
3. Quality Control: The waterfall model places high emphasis on quality control and
testing at each phase to ensure the final product meets the requirements and
expectations of stakeholders.
4. Rigorous Planning: The waterfall model involves careful planning, where the
project scope, timelines, and deliverables are clearly defined and monitored
throughout the project lifecycle.
Importance of the Waterfall Model
The waterfall model is important for several reasons:
1. Clarity and Simplicity: The linear structure of the Waterfall Model offers a simple
and unambiguous foundation for project development.
2. Clearly Defined Phases: Each phase has unique inputs and outputs, ensuring a
planned development with clear checkpoints.
3. Documentation: Emphasis on thorough documentation helps with understanding,
maintaining, and future growth of the software.
4. Stability in Requirements: Suitable for projects where requirements are clear and
stable, reducing modifications as the project progresses.
5. Resource Optimization: Encourages effective, task-focused work by allocating
resources according to project phases.
6. Relevance for Small Projects: Economical for small projects with simple
specifications and minimal complexity.
Phases of the Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model has six main phases:
1. Requirements
The first phase involves gathering requirements from stakeholders and analyzing them to
understand the scope and objectives of the project.
2. Design
Once requirements are understood, the design phase begins. This involves creating a
detailed design document outlining the software architecture, user interface, and system
components.
3. Development
The development phase includes coding the software based on design specifications. This
phase also involves unit testing to ensure each component works as expected.
4. Testing
In the testing phase, the software is tested as a whole to ensure it meets requirements and
is free from defects.
5. Deployment
Once the software has been tested and approved, it is deployed to the production
environment.
6. Maintenance
The final phase involves fixing any issues that arise after deployment and ensuring the
software continues to meet requirements over time.
Example of the Waterfall Model
Real-Life Example: Developing an Online Banking System
Analysis
Gather information on customer banking requirements, transactions, security protocols,
and determine core functionalities such as account management, fund transfers, bill
payments, and loan applications.
Design
Design the system’s architecture to manage sensitive data securely, avoid transactional
errors, and ensure high performance. This includes database structure, user interface
design, encryption protocols, and multi-factor authentication.
Implementation
Conduct dummy runs of the online banking system with provisional banking transactions
and customer data to ensure accurate handling of transactions. Results should be matched
with banking experts and auditors’ expectations.
Testing
Ensure all features function smoothly, including security vulnerabilities, transaction
accuracy, performance under heavy load, and user interface responsiveness. Special
attention is given to secure logins, data encryption, and handling of sensitive data.
Maintenance
Check for necessary updates or alterations, include new features, and ensure compliance
with banking regulations. Regular updates for security patches, performance
improvements, and new services like mobile banking are needed.
Advantages of the Waterfall Model
1. Easy to Understand: Simple and easy to understand.
2. Individual Processing: Phases are processed one at a time.
3. Properly Defined: Each stage is clearly defined.
4. Clear Milestones: Well-understood milestones.
5. Properly Documented: Actions and results are well documented.
6. Reinforces Good Habits: Encourages define-before-design and design-before-code.
7. Works for Smaller Projects: Suitable for projects with well-understood
requirements.
Disadvantages of the Waterfall Model
1. No Feedback Path: Assumes no errors during phases and lacks error correction
mechanisms.
2. Difficult to Accommodate Change Requests: Hard to accommodate changes after
requirements specification.
3. No Overlapping of Phases: Phases cannot overlap, reducing efficiency.
4. Limited Flexibility: Rigid and linear, not suited for changing requirements.
5. Limited Stakeholder Involvement: Stakeholders are typically involved only in
early phases.
6. Late Defect Detection: Defects may not be discovered until late in development.
7. Lengthy Development Cycle: Each phase must be completed before moving on,
leading to delays.
When to Use the Waterfall Model?
1. Well-Understood Requirements: Precise and thoroughly documented
requirements.
2. Very Little Changes Expected: Minimal adjustments or expansions expected
during development.
3. Small to Medium-Sized Projects: Ideal for manageable projects with a clear
development path.
4. Predictable Projects: Projects with known, controllable risks.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Projects with stringent regulatory compliance
requirements.
6. Client Prefers Linear Approach: Client prefers a sequential approach to project
development.
7. Limited Resources: Projects with limited resources benefit from a set-up strategy
for resource allocation.
Applications of the Waterfall Model
1. Large-Scale Software Development Projects: Structured and sequential approach
for large projects.
2. Safety-Critical Systems: Used in aerospace or medical systems where errors can be
severe.
3. Government and Defense Projects: Ensures projects meet all requirements and
are delivered on time.
4. Projects with Well-Defined Requirements: Requires clear understanding of
project objectives and scope.
5. Projects with Stable Requirements: Not suited for projects with changing
requirements.
Conclusion
The Waterfall Model is a conventional software development process that provides a
structured framework. Project teams have a clear roadmap through the phases of
requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Waterfall Model? A1: The Waterfall Model is a linear and sequential
software development methodology introduced by Winston W. Royce in 1970.
Q2: What are the main phases of the Waterfall Model? A2: The main phases are
Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.
Q3: What are the advantages of the Waterfall Model? A3: Advantages include simplicity,
clear milestones, thorough documentation, and suitability for smaller projects with well-
understood requirements.
Q4: What are the disadvantages of the Waterfall Model? A4: Disadvantages include lack
of feedback paths, difficulty accommodating change requests, limited flexibility, and late
defect detection.
Q5: When should the Waterfall Model be used? A5: It is best suited for projects with
well-defined and stable requirements, minimal changes, and a clear development path.
Q6: What are the applications of the Waterfall Model? A6: Applications include large-
scale software development projects, safety-critical systems, government and defense
projects, and projects with well-defined and stable requirements.
