What is Classical Waterfall Model

What is classical waterfall model

The classical waterfall model is a sequential and linear software development methodology. It is one of the earliest and most traditional approaches to software development, and it follows a step-by-step process in which progress is seen as flowing steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through several phases. Each phase must be completed before the next one begins, and there is minimal overlapping or iteration between the phases.

classical waterfall model
classical waterfall model

The classical waterfall model typically consists of the following phases:

  1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis: In this phase, the requirements for the software system are collected and analyzed. This involves understanding the needs of the end-users and defining the system’s functionality and constraints.
  2. System Design: Once the requirements are gathered, the system design phase involves creating a high-level design of the entire system. This includes defining the architecture, components, modules, and their relationships.
  3. Implementation: The actual coding or programming of the software is done in this phase. The design specifications are turned into source code, and the development team works on building the system.
  4. Testing: The software undergoes testing to identify and fix any defects or bugs. This phase ensures that the software meets the specified requirements and functions as intended.
  5. Deployment: After successful testing, the software is deployed or released to the end-users.
  6. Maintenance: This phase involves ongoing maintenance and support for the software. If any issues or changes are identified post-deployment, they are addressed in this phase.

One of the key characteristics of the waterfall model is its inflexibility once a phase is completed. Changes in requirements or design are not easily accommodated without going back to the beginning of the process. This linear and sequential nature can be a limitation, especially in dynamic environments where requirements may evolve.

While the classical waterfall model has been criticized for its lack of flexibility and adaptability, it can still be suitable for certain projects with well-defined and stable requirements, where changes are unlikely to occur once the project is underway. However, in many modern software development environments, iterative and agile methodologies are often favored over the waterfall model.

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Pallavi

Author: Pallavi

Business Analyst , Functional Consultant, Provide Training on Business Analysis and SDLC Methodologies.🌐 Founder of BACareers.in| Freelance Business Analyst & Content Writer | Banking Domain Expert | Agile Practitioner | Career MentorI am the founder and content creator of BACareers.in, a specialized platform for aspiring and experienced Business Analysts. I share real-world insights, career tips, certification guidance, interview prep, tutorials, and case studies to help professionals grow in the BA career path.We have strong experience in Banking, Financial Services, and IT. We bring deep domain knowledge and hands-on expertise in core banking systems, payment integrations, loan management, regulatory compliance (KYC/AML), and digital banking transformations.πŸ’Ό Business Analyst ExpertiseRequirement Elicitation, BRD/FRD, SRS, User Stories, RTMAgile & Waterfall (Scrum, Kanban) methodologiesBusiness Process Modeling (BPMN, UML, AS-IS/TO-BE)Stakeholder Communication & Gap AnalysisUAT Planning, Execution & SupportCore Banking Solutions (Finacle, Newgen BPM, Profile CBS, WebCSR)✍️ Content Writing & StrategyFounder of BACareers.in – knowledge hub for BAs & IT professionalsSEO-optimized blogs, training content, case studies & tutorialsContent on Business Analysis, Agile, Banking, IT & Digital TransformationEngaging, beginner-friendly writing for professionals & learners🌍 What we OfferFreelance Business Analysis services: BRD, FRD, UAT, process flows, consultingFreelance Content Writing: SEO blogs, IT/business content, case studies, LinkedIn postsA unique blend of analytical expertise + content strategy to turn business needs into solutions and ideas into words that workπŸ“Œ Whether you’re an organization seeking BA expertise or a platform needing impactful content, let’s connect and collaborate.Business Analyst, Agile, BRD, FRD, Banking, Content Writer, SEO writing.

10 thoughts on “What is Classical Waterfall Model”

  1. Its like you read my mind You appear to know a lot about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit but instead of that this is fantastic blog An excellent read I will certainly be back

  2. Great post! I always found the classical waterfall model confusing, but your explanation made it much clearer. I can see how it can be beneficial for projects with rigid requirements. Do you have any information on where it falls short, and when Agile development might be a better fit?

  3. Great overview of the Classical Waterfall Model! I appreciate how clearly you broke down each phase of the process. It really helps to understand how this model can still be relevant in certain projects today. Looking forward to more insights on different project management methodologies!

  4. Great post! I appreciate the clear explanation of the Classical Waterfall Model and its phases. It’s interesting to see how this traditional approach still influences project management today, especially in environments where requirements are well-defined. Looking forward to more insights on other methodologies!

  5. Great explanation of the Classical Waterfall Model! I appreciate how you broke down each phase and highlighted its importance in the project lifecycle. It’s interesting to see how this model still plays a significant role in software development despite the rise of Agile methodologies. Looking forward to reading more of your insights!

  6. Great explanation of the Classical Waterfall Model! I appreciate how you broke down each phase and highlighted its importance in project management. It really helped me understand the structure and flow of this approach. Looking forward to more insights on project management methodologies!

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