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Software Development

What is Waterfall Model?

Quick answer

A sequential software development approach in which each phase, from requirements to maintenance, is completed before the next begins.

Waterfall Model, explained

In the waterfall model, a project flows step by step: gather requirements, design the system, implement it, test it, deploy it, and maintain it. Each phase produces documents or deliverables that feed the next, and going back is costly.

Waterfall offers clear structure, predictable milestones, and thorough documentation, which can suit projects with stable, well-understood requirements or strict regulatory needs, such as some government, construction, or safety-critical systems. Its main weakness is that problems or changing needs are often discovered late, when changes are expensive. This limitation was a major motivation for Agile approaches. Many organizations today use hybrid models, combining upfront planning with iterative delivery.

Related terms

Agile

An iterative approach to software development that delivers work in small increments and adapts to feedback instead of following a fixed upfront plan.

Quality Assurance

The process of ensuring software meets requirements and quality standards through planning, testing, and continuous improvement.

Scrum

An Agile framework in which a small team delivers work in fixed-length iterations called sprints, with defined roles and regular reviews.

Software Development Life Cycle

The structured series of stages software goes through, from planning and design to building, testing, release, and maintenance.

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