Difference between Waterfall and Spiral Model


Waterfall Model: Waterfall model is considered as a linear sequential model. After the completion of the previous stage, the next stage starts in this waterfall model in this strategy, the whole software development process is separated into stages. The outcome/result of one stage is the input of the next stage.

Spiral Model: Spiral model follows evolutionary approach and the level of risk is not as high as waterfall model in spiral model. Risk analysis is the vital issue in spiral model. Spiral model can be considered as an alternative to waterfall model.



Waterfall Model Spiral Model
1. Waterfall model is a linear sequential model. 1. Spiral model is an evolutionary approach.
2. Proper understanding of all the requirements are mandatory before the starting stage. 2. For the new iterations, new requirements can be included according to needs.
3. In waterfall model, minimum level of customer involvement is needed. 3. In Spiral model, higher level of customer involvement is needed.
4. The waterfall model is beneficial for small projects where requirements are clear to understood. 4. Spiral model is beneficial for large, complex project where requirement are difficult to understand and need risk analysis.
5. Waterfall model is preferred by customers. 5. Spiral model is preferred by developers.
6. In waterfall model, there is a high possibility of risk because of missing risk management strategy at each stage. 6. In waterfall model is missing risk management strategy because risks are analyzed at each stage.
7. Waterfall model is not expensive model considering cost. 7. Spiral model is a very expensive model considering cost.
8. It is difficult to make changes in waterfall model. 8. It is not difficult to make changes in spiral model.
9. Waterfall model is easy to understand and implement. 9. Spiral model cannot be easily understood or implemented.
10. Real life projects rarely follow such type of sequential strategy. 10. Real life projects often follow evolutionary approach.




Contributed By: Romana Rahman Ema