Considering all the traditional software development methods, the waterfall methodology is the best of them all with its simplified approach to software development. V Model is part of the pantheon of several modern software development methodologies that came from agile.
Today, let’s find out how a comparison of waterfall vs. V model turns out, starting with their pros and cons.
Pros of Waterfall Model
- Objectives are more simple and easy to align for all teammates
- Helps to strictly adhere to specified project timelines
- Planning takes priority over predictability
- Testing parameters are specified before the development phase begins
- Offers better control and departmentalization for project managers
- Since all steps are predicted, the project is far easier to manage
- Helps avoid objective or process overlapping since one phase doesn’t begin till the previous one is over
Cons of Waterfall Model
- High delivery time
- Doesn’t change direction from the original plan
- Often requires a hard reset in the case of a plan change
- Clients or users aren’t involved in the development process
- Not a great methodology for working on complex projects
Pros of V Model
- Easier to Understand and apply due to its fixed nature
- Highly disciplined model where each phase is fully completed before moving to the next one
- Recommended for smaller projects with clear requirements
- High rigidity allows a more accessible management process
- Deliverables for each phase are specific
- Each phase includes a review process
Cons of V Model
- High-risk factors, since it’s a fixed model and unexpected need for change can arise at any moment
- Not suited for long-term projects
- Not suitable for projects where the requirements are constantly changing
- Difficult to change functionalities of the previous phase once testing begins
- Working software is delivered far late into the development cycle
Ultimate Comparison
| Parameters | Waterfall Model | V Model |
| Cost | The waterfall model is relatively low-cost compared to the V Model | V model is highly expensive |
| Simplicity | Highly simplified and straightforward | Intermediate |
| Flexibility | Rigid | More strict compared to a waterfall |
| Backtracking | No way to return to an earlier stage till the development has ended | V model doesn’t restrict backtracking |
| Re-usability | Limited | Most components can be re-used to a certain extent |
| User Involvement | Only during the early planning phase | More involvement compared to a waterfall |
| Guarantee of Success | Low | High |
| Continuation | Continuous process | Simultaneous process |
| Defects | More defects were found in the testing phase | Fewer defects found in the testing phase |
| Debugging | Performed post-development | Can be done between phases |
| Use Frequency | Less used in modern development | Widely used in software development |
Which Software Development Model Is Superior?
As the comparison shows, both of these models offer a lot of similarities when thoroughly compared with each other. However, the general consensus is that both these models are highly effective for simple, small-scale projects where the requirements are clear from the start.
FAQ
Waterfall is a sequential, linear approach, while V-Model is an extension of Waterfall that emphasizes testing at each stage.
V-Model is more adaptable to changes compared to traditional Waterfall due to its focus on testing and verification.
Waterfall is preferred for projects with well-defined, stable requirements and minimal expected changes.
V-Model is most appropriate when testing is critical and when requirements may evolve during the project.
Waterfall follows a strict sequence of phases: requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
