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Traditional (Waterfall) Development Method

The Traditional (Waterfall) Development Method is the most traditional type of software development.

The traditional (waterfall) approach can also be applied in an iterative manner, also known as "mini waterfalls".

 

This works best where there is an expectation that previous deliverables may be reworked by subsequent iterations.

Traditional (Waterfall) Development encompasses a process by which a software development project is planned, estimated, scoped, designed, and executed via a series of steps and ‘stage gates’.

The steps include:

  • Analysis
  • Architecture and design
  • Development
  • Testing
  • Implementation

Each step is concluded by developing a written document that must be reviewed and approved before the next step begins (the reviews and approvals are the ‘stage gates’). 

Waterfall approaches are ideally suited to situations where most of the 'unknowns' have been resolved - for example a well described change to an existing system, the redevelopment or replacement of an existing system, or a small prototype built to test specific dimensions of a new system.

Waterfall approaches can also work well in situations where the end product has little or no interaction with users - for example a back end system that integrates between existing systems or a well defined interface for a new system.

Fronde are specialists in using the Traditional (Waterfall) Development Method, and are familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.