Waterfall vs.

Agile

© 2021 Cognizant
Waterfall
PROS
 Uses clear structure. When compared
with other methodologies, Waterfall focuses
most on a clear, defined set of steps.
Costs can be estimated with a fairly high
degree of accuracy once the requirements
have been defined.
 Methodology emphasizes a clean
transfer of information at each step.
Determines the end goal early.
CONS
Project is completely dependent on project
team with minimum client intervention.
Documentation occupies a lot of time of
developers and testers.
Testing period comes quite late in the
developmental process.
Small changes or errors that arise in the
completed software may cause a lot of
problems.
Agile
PROS
Agile is more flexible, adapting to
changes much more rapidly than other
project management approaches.
Have better communication because
the project team works closely with the
customer to revisit requirements and
priorities.
It focuses on product placement, the
agile strategy allows a department to
deliver products to clients as quickly as
possible.
Focuses on producing a continuously
improving product rather than a perfect
one.
CONS
Transfer difficulties: When switching
from one management style to another
for an entire department, it may take
time to fully acclimate to the new
responsibilities
 The agile methodology focuses on
multiple goals at a time, certain goals
may not receive as much focus
throughout the entire project.
Lack of documentation: In the agile
methodology system, documentation is
less important than reactionary planning
and progress.
Agile production relies on continuous
improvement and customer feedback,
the department may not be able to
predict profits before production begins.