Waterfall

What is Waterfall?

Waterfall is a linear approach to software development. In this methodology, the sequence of events is something like:

  1. Gather and document requirements
  2. Design
  3. Code and unit test
  4. Perform System testing
  5. Perform user acceptance testing (UAT)
  6. Fix any issues
  7. Deliver the finished product

In a true Waterfall development project, each of these represent a distinct stage of software development, and each stage generally finishes before the next one can begin.  There is also typically a stage gate between each; for example, requirements must be reviewed and approved by the customer before design can begin.

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