In the software business, the Waterfall and Incremental Models are the most often used development methodologies. Both of these methods are used to improve tracking and develop applications in a systematic manner.
We may distinguish between WaterFall Model and Incremental Model based on the type of steps or phases in both models as follows:
| 1 |
.Definition |
Incremental Model is the development model in which the entire model is divided into various sub development phase where corresponding testing phase for each development phase is practices. In other words we can say that for every stage in the development cycle, there is an associated testing phase and corresponding testing phase of the development phase is planned in parallel. |
On other hand Waterfall model there is first development of the application and after which the different testing of application take place. In other words we can say that in WaterFall the complete process is divided into several phases among which one phase should be completed in order to reach the next phase and testing is almost at end phase of the development. |
| 2. |
Type/Nature |
As mentioned above that in Incremental Model the execution of the phases i.e., development and testing happens in a sequential manner so type of Incremental Model is Sequential/Parallel in nature. |
On other hand WaterFall Model is a relatively linear sequential design approach as each phase should be completed in order to reach the next phase. So type of this model is Continuous in nature. |
| 3 |
.Testing and Validation |
In Incremental Model each development phase get tested at its own level and hence no pending testing occurs in this model also if any validation requires to be implemented then it could be implemented at that phase. |
On other hand in case of WaterFall Model the testing occurs after development is completed and thus if any missing validation is identified to be implemented then first that phase of development needs to be recognized and then that validation get implemented. |
