Advantages/Disadvantages of the Waterfall Method

Disadvantage

Clients often don't know what they want at the beginning of the project.

Advantage

Encourages the project to be managed in a well-structured manner.

Advantage

It's very easy for people outside the project to understand how it's being managed.

Disadvantage

Not a good fit for companies that prefer a more informal method of working.

Disadvantage

Not good for high risk projects where the team are unfamiliar with the technology/techniques required.

Disadvantage

Not suitable for projects with vague or constantly changing requirements.

Advantage

The 'plan first then do' approach saves time and money by producing comprehensive documentation that gets signed off by the customer.

Disadvantage

The extensive documentation and planning can stifle the creativity of the developers.

Advantage

Well suited for projects with clear and stable requirements that are well understood in terms of technology and risks.

Advantage

Well-defined milestones allow for progress to be easily tracked by the team and customer.