Waterfall Model

Waterfall model

The waterfall model is a model which was developed for software development; that is to create software. It is called as such because the model develops systematically from one phase to other in a downward fashion, like a waterfall.

The most probable phases through which it progresses downwards are

•           Definition Study/Analysis

•           Basic Design

•           Technical Design/Detailed Design

•           Construction

•           Testing

•           Integration

•           Management and

•           Maintenance.

Before the advent of this method, the software development in the computer companies suffered from a haphazard integrated software network like cluttered knitting. However with this method they hoped to bring clarity in their projects.

* Definition Study / Analysis: During this phase research is being conducted which includes brainstorming about the software, what it is going to be and what purpose is it going to fulfill.

* Basic Design: If the first phase gets successfully completed and a well thought out plan for the software development has been laid then the next step involves formulating the basic design of the software on paper.

* Technical Design / Detail Design:  After the basic design gets approved, then a more elaborated technical design can be planned. Here the functions of each of the part are decided and the engineering units are placed for example modules, programs etc.

* Construction / Implementation: In this phase the source code of the programs is written.

* Testing: At this phase, the whole design and its construction is put under a test to check its functionality. If there are any errors then they will surface at this point of the process.

* Integration: in the phase of Integration, the company puts it in use after the system has been successfully tested.

* Management and Maintenance: Maintenance and management is needed to ensure that the system will continue to perform...