Waterfall Software Development: Process, Benefits, and When to Use It

Waterfall software development is a traditional, linear approach to building software. It divides the project into a series of distinct phases, each completed fully before the next one begins. Think of it as a cascading flow—hence the term "Waterfall"—where progress moves in one direction from planning to deployment.

Originally adapted from engineering and manufacturing practices, the Waterfall model became one of the earliest methodologies applied to software projects. It's particularly suited for environments where changes are costly or undesirable once development has begun.

The Waterfall development process typically follows six core phases:

1. Requirement Gathering and Analysis. This is where the entire scope of the project is defined. Every functional and non-functional requirement is documented, leaving little room for ambiguity later.
2. System Design. Once requirements are finalized, system architecture and design specifications are created. This includes everything from database structures to user interfaces and API plans.
3. Implementation (Development). Developers begin writing code based strictly on the design documentation. Because previous phases are locked in, there’s minimal room for interpretation or improvisation.
4. Integration and Testing. After the software is built, it enters a testing phase. QA engineers check for bugs, security issues, and usability problems. Testing happens only after the full product is developed.
5. Deployment. The finished software is released to users or deployed into production. This stage assumes that the product has been fully validated during testing.
6. Maintenance. Post-launch, the development team may fix bugs, handle user feedback, or provide security updates—but major changes are generally avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Each phase depends on the successful completion of the one before it, making it critical to get everything right from the start.

The Waterfall model in software engineering is known for its structured, step-by-step approach. It emphasizes planning, documentation, and a clear roadmap. One of its defining characteristics is minimal client involvement after the initial planning phase. Once development begins, changes to scope or features are difficult and often discouraged.

This makes Waterfall appealing for projects that are highly regulated, or where requirements are unlikely to change once development is underway.

There are several reasons companies still choose the Waterfall model for software projects:

• Predictability. With clearly defined stages and deadlines, stakeholders always know what’s happening and when.
• Simplicity. The model is easy to understand and follow, especially for teams working with fixed requirements.
• Strong documentation. Every stage produces thorough records, which can be useful for audits, compliance, and handoffs.
• Low ambiguity. With all requirements set upfront, there’s less room for miscommunication or feature creep.

These benefits make Waterfall a solid choice for small, well-scoped projects or industries with heavy compliance needs.

Despite its strengths, Waterfall software development also comes with drawbacks:

• Inflexibility. It’s difficult to adapt if user needs or business goals change mid-project.
• Delayed feedback. Testing happens late in the process, which means bugs or usability issues may go undetected until the end.
• High risk. A single flaw in the early stages can carry through the entire lifecycle, increasing cost and effort to fix later.
• Limited collaboration. End-users and clients often don’t see the product until it’s complete, making it hard to incorporate evolving insights.

Because of these limitations, many modern teams prefer iterative or hybrid approaches when flexibility is a priority.

Waterfall isn't obsolete—it just has a specific use case. This method works best in scenarios where:

• The project scope and requirements are fixed and unlikely to change;
• Stakeholders want extensive documentation and detailed planning;
• There are regulatory requirements that demand a clear audit trail;
• The project timeline is short, and the risk of changes is low;
• The product is simple or similar to previously built systems.

Examples might include government systems, internal business tools, and infrastructure-level software where precision and compliance are more important than flexibility.

Yes—Waterfall software development still has its place, even in 2025. While Agile and DevOps have become the standard in fast-moving product teams, Waterfall remains valuable for fixed-scope projects, contract-based work, and high-assurance environments.
In some cases, companies even adopt hybrid models, combining Waterfall planning with Agile execution to get the best of both worlds: structure and adaptability.


Waterfall software development is a tried-and-true approach that emphasizes planning, structure, and predictability. Though it may not be suited for every modern project, it remains a viable option for those with clearly defined goals and limited need for change during development.

If you're considering Waterfall or need help choosing the best development model for your next project, get in touch with ilink software experts—we'll help you evaluate your options and build a roadmap that fits your vision and requirements.