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TLDR: Waterfall models are a sequential approach to project management and product development, where each phase flows linearly into the next, much like a waterfall. Introduced in the 1970s, this model emphasizes structure and comprehensive documentation, progressing through distinct stages: requirements analysis, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. While effective for projects with well-defined requirements, waterfall models are less adaptable to changes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterfall_model

A defining characteristic of the waterfall model is its reliance on thorough planning and upfront documentation. Each phase must be completed before moving on to the next, ensuring a clear roadmap for development. This rigidity is advantageous in industries like construction or manufacturing, where requirements are stable, and outcomes are predictable. However, in dynamic fields like software development, this lack of flexibility can lead to challenges when requirements evolve mid-project.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/waterfall-model

Despite its limitations, the waterfall model remains a valuable methodology for projects requiring strict oversight, such as government or compliance-heavy industries. It facilitates better stakeholder communication through its structured approach and milestones. Modern adaptations of the model sometimes incorporate iterative elements to address its rigidity, blending the strengths of both traditional and agile methodologies to improve project outcomes.

https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/waterfall-project-management-methodology-11214

“The waterfall model is a software development process in which development is seen as flowing like waterfall steadily downwards through the phases of requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing (validation), integration, and maintenance. The Waterfall Model is considered old-fashioned or simplistic by proponents of object-oriented design which often uses the spiral model instead.”

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• Agile
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