Waterfall Model

The Waterfall Model is a sequential software development process that follows a linear and structured approach. It is one of the oldest and most traditional models used in software development, and it involves a series of phases that must be completed before moving on to the next phase. Each phase is designed to produce specific deliverables, which are then used as inputs for the next phase.

The Waterfall Model is divided into several distinct phases, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. In the requirements gathering phase, the product manager works with stakeholders to identify and document the project's goals, objectives, and requirements. This phase is critical because it sets the foundation for the entire project and ensures that everyone involved understands what needs to be accomplished.

In the design phase, the product manager works with the development team to create a detailed plan for how the software will be built. This includes creating diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual aids to help the team understand the structure and functionality of the software.

Once the design phase is complete, the development team moves on to the implementation phase, where they start writing code and building the software. This phase is typically the longest and most complex, as it involves creating the actual product.

Once the software is built, the testing phase begins. This involves a series of tests to ensure that the software is functioning properly and meets all of the requirements outlined in the requirements gathering phase. If any issues are identified, they are addressed and resolved before moving on to the next phase.

Finally, the maintenance phase begins, where the product manager and development team work together to ensure that the software remains up-to-date, secure, and functional over time.

While the Waterfall Model has been criticized for being too rigid and inflexible, it remains a popular model for many software development projects, particularly those that require a high level of structure and documentation.