How does the waterfall lifecycle differ from the iterative one?

Waterfall (cascade) and Iterative development life cycles differ in their approach to planning and executing a project.

Waterfall lifecycle is a sequential process where each phase (requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment) is completed fully before the next begins. Changes late in the process are difficult and costly.

Iterative lifecycle involves developing the project in cycles (iterations), each including all main stages but in a smaller scope. After each iteration, a working version of the product is produced, which can be evaluated and refined based on feedback for the next iteration.

Key differences:

• Waterfall is a linear, rigid process, while iterative is flexible and adaptive.
• Changes after the start of implementation are difficult in Waterfall, whereas in Iterative, changes are welcomed and integrated into the process.
• Iterative allows for faster delivery of working versions and better adaptation to new requirements.

This approach helps better manage risks and improve the product based on real feedback.