Are you excited to know the use of waterfall methodology in software development? If so, stay with me till the end! For a few of you, if you are not aware of Waterfall Methodology in the first place, here is a brief overview of it.
What is Waterfall Methodology?
As the name suggests the methodology goes like a waterfall. It is a linear custom software application development process that moves like a waterfall during all stages of a project. Namely, analysis, Design, Development, Testing, Integration, and Maintenance. One more thing, one stage entirely shuts up before moving to the next stage. Now, let’s hop into what we actually do in this methodology.
Following tasks are performed in Waterfall methodology:
1 Project planning and defining the scope of the project
2 Gather and jot down requirements
3 Design project
4 Develop project and execute unit tests
5 Run system testing
6 Execute Use Acceptance Testing (UAT)
7 Fix project as required
8 Deploy project
5 Common Phases in Waterfall Methodology
The Waterfall Methodology sticks to a sequential process and executes based on prescribed dates, needs, and consequences. The methodology doesn’t require constant communication with other team members. We can say they are generally self-sustained unless specific integrations are required. Team members can work on their own or individually and they are not needed to give status reports. Generally, one phase never initiates until the previous one is done.
1. Requirements
Understanding the requirements or simply gathering the needs of the client is the initial step without any doubt. Knowing the true intention and understanding it accordingly is one of the steps that should be performed accurately. Here the project manager should understand the requirement in detail and note down even tiny details.
2. Design
After you have fully understood the needs or requirements, it’s time to determine how you are going to make it. You and your team need to identify what you will require for each part of the project and how you will achieve it. After that, you need to create a strategy for the next stages of the project. You should also have another strategy in hand if one strategy fails. You will also need to evaluate your current team to confirm if you have all the skills and team to accomplish your project goals. If you identify any void, immediately hire a skilled professional who you think can help in meeting the client’s requirements. Not only this, but you also need to find out the resources and tools you will need to seamlessly develop the project at hand. After this, now is the right time to come up with the timeline and budget. As we are discussing software development specifically here, you can begin with designing the software here in this phase. You can create a map of the software as needed by the client. Finally, towards the end of this phase, it should get clear to each and every one of your team members what you expect from them, what are their responsibilities and how you are going to accomplish it?
3. Execution
When you are at the execution stage, you and your team have so much in hand now. You both are all set to work. Strategy, tasks, and roles are defined. The teamwork would ensure the end product comes together swiftly. There is no denying the fact you and your team might face challenges during this phase while executing. During this point in time, all your hard work would pay off. Your already created strategies will help here. The detailed documentation you created in the earlier stages. If you have done your earlier tasks well, they will help you here resolve the issues and challenges you are facing now.
4. Testing
The fourth most important and crucial phase is QA automation software testing. It is time to check if your software is meeting the client’s requirements or not. Compare the documentation you made in earlier steps and the end product developed. Are they both the same? If not, why are we lagging? How can we create exactly the same end product and meet the client’s expectations? Address the issue found and resolve it through the waterfall process.
5. Deployment and Maintenance
When the project finally passes the testing check, it’s time to deploy or release it. Ensure the software is fully functional and as stated by clients. After the project is successfully deployed, the work doesn’t end here. Now the team could help the end-users by providing support. If the end-users face any glitches or problems while using it or if any updates are required, all are executed by the team during the maintenance phase.
