What is Agile vs waterfall?

What is Agile vs Waterfall is a common question. Agile is an approach to product development which aims to be adaptable and responsive to changes. It is designed to be used in environments which are subject to rapid change, such as software development. In Agile, work is planned and performed in an incremental and iterative manner, divided into multiple fixed timeboxes called sprints. Work is planned in advance only until the end of the next sprint which might be anywhere between 1-4 weeks. Agile emphasises adaptability and teamwork, and is based upon the core Agile principles.

In contrast, 'waterfall' is associated with the more traditional project management where a project is planned at the start, goes through a linear series of phases, each one only proceeding to the next one when certain conditions have been met. This makes waterfall project management less able to respond quickly to changes than Agile ones.

Agile related articles

The top 15 Agile books you should read
image
Explore our top 15 Agile book recommendations to enhance your understanding and skills. Read on to choose your next read.
Should I do PMP or Agile certification?
image
Choosing between PMP and Agile certification can be crucial. Read on to compare these paths and decide which suits your career goals best.
Lean principles
image
Discover how Lean principles focus on customer satisfaction and drive organizational goals. Learn more about Lean and Lean Six Sigma here.
DSDM principles: A visual guide
image
Learn about DSDM principles through our visual guide and see their response to traditional process flaws. Scroll for more insights.
Benefits of Agile methodologies
image
Discover the benefits of Agile methodologies and how they streamline project management. Scroll down for a detailed overview.
Scrum framework
image
Explore the 6 essential principles of the Scrum framework that guide successful projects. Scroll down for an in-depth look.
Agile Manifesto
image
Explore the origins of the Agile Manifesto and its creators' vision for software development. Scroll down to understand its impact.
Thriving in the 21st century with Agile – with Barbara Roberts
image
Discover the keys to thriving in the 21st century with Agile methodologies in this insightful webinar. Learn more about Agile's role in future successes.
Scrum Master
image
Understand what makes a successful Scrum Master and how to motivate your team effectively. Read on for insights.
Lean management
image
Delve into Lean management, a philosophy of continuous improvement and learning. Read more on how it transforms businesses.
Six Sigma
image
Six Sigma offers tools for improving business processes and quality. Read on to see how it can benefit your projects.
Agile methodologies
image
Discover the variety of Agile methodologies and their unique implementations across sectors. Read more to see which fits your needs.