You may have heard of the terms “agile” and “waterfall” before—especially if you’re familiar with project management. However, these terms also play a vital role in the software development lifecycle.
In this article, we explore the difference between agile vs waterfall, and describe each one’s methodologies, advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
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What is agile project management?
Agile project management approaches each project—or, in the context of IT, each piece of software—as a series of smaller bits, allowing for changes after each minor milestone. Through agile methodology, projects are broken down into “sprints” that are repeatable throughout the project’s life.
Agile project management is much more flexible than other approaches. It allows the project team to gather information about the current sprint and determine what went well and what didn’t, so they know where changes must be made moving forward. This results in a circular path of development rather than a linear one, creating a continuous feedback loop.
It is recommended for projects requiring customer input or not having a clear end goal in mind.
What is the waterfall method?
In contrast, the waterfall method uses a linear approach to project management. Using waterfall, projects are completed in steps, and each step must be completed before moving forward. As such, all projects that use the waterfall method have a clear result, follow clear steps, and have various success metrics.
The waterfall method generally follows five steps:
- Analysis: The first step involves identifying the project’s key requirements, including its end goal and timelines.
- Designing: This is where the project managers design potential solutions to reach the planned objective.
- Implementation: This is where the designed project is implemented.
- Testing: Project managers test the solution after implementation to determine if all the metrics and timelines (as discussed during step 1) are being met.
- Maintenance: This updates the solution to match customer or stakeholder feedback.
As seen, moving on to the next step is impossible without first considering the previous one. This makes the waterfall method idea for more straightforward projects that do not require high flexibility.
Agile vs waterfall: Which one is better?
The best way to see the differences between the two methodologies is through this table:
| Feature | Agile | Waterfall |
| Approach | Iterative and incremental | Linear and sequential |
| Project structure | Flexible and adaptable to change | Fixed with clearly defined stages |
| Development phases | Phases can happen concurrently and overlap | Each phase is distinct and sequential |
| Customer involvement | Continuous throughout the project | Limited, and typically only asked during the beginning and ending |
| Flexibility | High, with changes being made even late in the project | Low; changes are difficult to make once the project starts |
| Best for | Projects with dynamic requirements and evolving needs | Projects with well-defined, stable requirements |
| Testing | Continuous testing | Testing occurs after the development phase is complete |
| Team collaboration | Strong focus on collaboration and communication | Roles and responsibilities are more isolated |
| Delivery | Delivered in small, functional increments | Delivered as a complete product at the end of the cycle |
| Risk management | Easier to identify and address risks | Risks may surface late in the project lifecycle |
Though there is a clear distinction between the two, neither is “better” than the other. Both agile and waterfall methodologies offer different advantages, making them suitable for various projects. The agile method is ideal for organizations prioritizing flexibility and ongoing collaboration, whereas the waterfall is better suited for projects with clearly defined requirements and fixed timelines.
Neither approach is inherently better for software development; the choice depends on your organization’s needs, the nature of the project, and your team dynamics. By evaluating factors such as project scope, customer involvement, and tolerance for change, your organization can determine which methodology best aligns with your needs and goals.
Choosing the right approach for your needs
There are no hard and fast rules when deciding between agile and waterfall in software development. Ultimately, the “best” methodology depends on your organization’s unique needs and operational structure.
Similarly, in endpoint management, selecting the right tool is crucial for optimizing workflows and achieving organizational objectives—we’ve written a more comprehensive guide on finding the best endpoint management tool here.
NinjaOne endpoint management is a prime example of a solution that supports diverse IT environments and is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries. Whether your team operates in a fast-paced, agile-like setting or follows a more structured approach, NinjaOne’s platform delivers the flexibility, visibility, and control needed to efficiently manage devices and automate the hardest parts of IT.
If you’re ready, request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.
