Waterfall Concept: What It is, How It Works, Example (2024)

FAQs

What is waterfall and how it works? ›

The Waterfall methodology follows a chronological process and works based on fixed dates, requirements, and outcomes. With this method, the individual execution teams aren't required to be in constant communication and, unless specific integrations are required, are usually self-contained.

The waterfall model is a sequential project management methodology where one phase completely finishes before the next phase begins. There are 6 phases in a simple waterfall model: requirements, design, implementation, verification, deployment and maintenance.

A waterfall is any point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf. Dynjandi, a series of waterfalls located in the Westfjords (Vestfirðir), Iceland.

It's an old-school software development method from the 1970s. In a Waterfall process, you must complete each project phase before moving to the next. It's pretty rigid and linear. The method relies heavily on all the requirements and thinking done before you begin.

A visual illusion of apparent movement created by gazing for a period of time at a fixed point in a waterfall and then looking at a stationary object, which appears to move upwards.

The waterfall model uses a logical progression of SDLC steps for a project, similar to the direction water flows over the edge of a cliff. It sets distinct endpoints or goals for each phase of development. Those endpoints or goals can't be revisited after their completion.

A waterfall is a place where water flows over the edge of a steep, high cliff in hills or mountains, and falls into a pool below.

A waterfall is a river or other body of water's steep fall over a rocky ledge into a plunge pool below. Waterfalls are also called cascades. The process of erosion, the wearing away of earth, plays an important part in the formation of waterfalls.

One example of the waterfall methodology is the construction of a building. The project starts with gathering requirements from the client, followed by the design phase, where blueprints and plans are created. Then, the construction phase begins, where the building is constructed according to the design.

The mechanics of a real estate waterfall structure can be perceived as a series of tiers (i.e. the “target hurdle rate”), wherein the distribution of proceeds is different per tier. In short, the payoff “stays within” the current tier until the target hurdle rate is met (and then “spills over” to the next tier).

What is the main benefit of the waterfall method? ›

Among the advantages of the waterfall model are the following: Provides a way for large or changing teams to work together toward a common goal defined in the requirements phase. Ensures a disciplined and structured organization. Provides a simple method to understand, follow, and arrange tasks.

Waterfall payment structures allow higher-tiered creditors to be paid principal and interest ahead of lower-tiered creditors. Lower-tiered creditors are paid interest-only payments until the higher-tiered creditors are paid in full.

A waterfall start is used for races with more than 8 competitors and for all races longer than 800m. The runners line up on the curved start line and can cut in when it is safe to do so.

Waterfall has a fixed timeline. The idea is that the start and finish of the project are already mapped out from the beginning. Agile is a lot more flexible and accounts for experimenting with different directions. Rather than a fixed timeline, the schedule adapts as the project progresses.