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Difference between Waterfall model and Incremental model

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Waterfall Model is also known as Classical/Traditional Model. Sometimes It is referred as linear-sequential life cycle model because all phases involve in this model completed one by one in linear fashion. In this model, we get software after completion of all coding phase. This model is basically used for small projects. There exist only one cycle in waterfall model. 


Figure – Waterfall Model

While in Incremental Model Multiple development cycles take place and these cycles are divided into more smaller modules. Generally a working software in incremental model is produced during first module Each subsequent release of the module adds function to the previous release. In incremental model, process continues till the complete system is achieved. 


Figure – Incremental Model

Here we will see that how waterfall model is different from an incremental model in terms of time, cost, maintenance, documentation etc. 

Some differences between them are given below:  

S. No. Waterfall Model Incremental Model
1. Need for Detailed Documentation in the waterfall model is Necessary. The need for Detailed Documentation in the incremental model is Necessary but not too much.
2. In the waterfall model, early stage planning is necessary. In an incremental model, early-stage planning is also necessary.
3. There is a high amount of risk in the waterfall model. There is a low amount of risk in the incremental model.
4. There is a long waiting time for running software in the waterfall model. There is a short waiting time for running software in the incremental model.
5. The waterfall model can’t handle large projects. The incremental model also can’t handle large projects.
6. Flexibility to change in the waterfall model is Difficult. Flexibility to change in incremental model is Easy.
7. The cost of the Waterfall model is Low. The cost of the incremental model is also Low.
8. Testing is done in the waterfall model after the completion of the coding phase. Testing is done in the incremental model after every iteration of the phase.
9. Returning to the previous stage/phase in the waterfall model is not possible. Returning to the previous stage/phase in the incremental model is possible.
10. In the waterfall model, a large team is required. In an incremental model large team is not required.
11. In the waterfall model overlapping of phases is not possible. In incremental model overlapping of phases is possible.
12. There is only one cycle in the waterfall model. Multiple development cycles take place in the incremental model.
13. The customer is involved only at the beginning of development. In incremental model, customer involvement is intermediate.
14. The linear framework type is used. Linear with iterative framework type is used.
15. The customer is having least control over the administrator. The customer has more control over the administrator in comparison to the waterfall model.
16. Reusability is the least possible. Reusability is possible to some extent.

Last Updated : 23 Aug, 2022
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