Software Architect's Handbook

The Waterfall model

The Waterfall software development methodology is a sequential one, in which each stage of the life cycle has to be completed in its entirety before moving on to the next stage. Some advantages of this model include the following:

• The model is simple and easy to understand.
• Stakeholders will know what to expect in terms of timeline, functionality, and cost.
• Due to the artifacts that are required to be produced out of each phase, different types of documentation about the system will be available. The documentation is beneficial for those who will be maintaining the software going forward. It can also facilitate bringing new employees onboard and minimize the impact of any employee turnover.

In the following diagram of ...