Advantages of the Waterfall Model
1. Simple and easy to understand
Waterfall is very straightforward:
Requirements → Design → Development → Testing → Deployment → Maintenance
Everyone (clients, managers, devs) knows exactly what happens next.
2. Clear documentation
Each phase is well-documented before moving on.
This is great for:
- Large teams
- Regulated industries (banking, healthcare, government)
- Projects where documentation is mandatory
3. Easy to manage
- Since phases don’t overlap:
- Timelines are predictable
- Milestones are clear Progress tracking is simple
4. Works well when requirements are fixed
If requirements are very clear and unlikely to change, Waterfall performs well.
Example: payroll systems, compliance software, internal tools.
5. Good for less experienced teams
Because everything is planned upfront, junior teams can follow the structure without much ambiguity.
Disadvantages of the Waterfall Model
1. No flexibility for changes
Once a phase is completed, going back is costly and painful.
If a requirement changes mid-project → big trouble.
2. Late testing
Testing happens after development, so:
- Bugs are found late
- Fixing them becomes expensive
- Core design flaws may be discovered too late
3. Client feedback comes very late
The client sees the actual product near the end.
If expectations don’t match → rework or rejection.
4. Not suitable for complex or evolving projects
Projects involving:
- New technology
- Unclear requirements
- Rapid market changes are poor fits for Waterfall.
5. High risk of project failure
If initial requirements are wrong, the entire project is built on a faulty foundation.
When Waterfall Makes Sense (Quick Rule)
Use Waterfall if:
- Requirements are stable and well-defined
- Technology is familiar
- Compliance & documentation are critical
Avoid Waterfall if:
- Requirements may change
- You need frequent user feedback
- Time-to-market is important
