Distinguishing Agile from Waterfall
Agile is an iterative process, and Waterfall is more linear. Both have their merits, depending on the project.
Agile was created in response to the strict linear process of Waterfall
Agile embraces the reality that the world, customer markets, and users are uncertain and unpredictable.
Agile aims to get customer feedback more quickly
Working with an Agile mindset means always finding ways to work more efficiently by focusing on streamlining the process without reducing product quality or value.
Waterfall aims for predictability and tries to avoid change, while Agile embraces the reality that the world is uncertain and unpredictable.
Aspects of a Project:
- Project requirements
- Waterfall: formal documents approved at the beginning of the project. The goal is to minimize the Scope creep.
- Agile: dynamic requirements and frequent change. Follow an informal process to change requirements;
- Documentation
- Waterfall: a lot of documentation to support all the handoffs between phases
- Agile: emphasis on real-time conversation.
- Project deliverables
- Waterfall: big release the deliverable at the end of the project
- Agile: frequent release