In comparison to a waterfall method, what are the three benefits of incremental development?

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th Edition)
7th Edition
ISBN:9780133594140
Author:James Kurose, Keith Ross
Publisher:James Kurose, Keith Ross
Chapter1: Computer Networks And The Internet
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem R1RQ: What is the difference between a host and an end system? List several different types of end...
icon
Related questions
Question

 

 

 

**Question:**

In comparison to a waterfall method, what are the three benefits of incremental development?

**Detailed Explanation:**

*The question prompt above seeks to compare the incremental development methodology with the traditional waterfall method in software development. It asks specifically for three benefits that incremental development provides over the waterfall method.* 

For further understanding, here is a brief overview of each method:

- **Waterfall Method:** 
  - **Linear and Sequential:** Development progresses through a series of phases such as requirement gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance, strictly in that order.
  - **Documentation and Planning Heavy:** Each phase has extensive documentation and planning, usually making it rigid and less adaptable to changes.
  
- **Incremental Development:** 
  - **Iterative Approach:** Development is carried out through repeated cycles, where each iteration results in a functional product or feature.
  - **Flexibility:** This method allows for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout the development process.

**Comparison Benefits of Incremental Development:**

1. **Early Detection of Issues:**
   - Incremental development allows for earlier discovery and resolution of issues, as testing and feedback occur throughout each iteration. In contrast, the Waterfall method may delay testing until the end of the development cycle, potentially leading to more significant issues discovered later.

2. **Customer Feedback and Satisfaction:**
   - Through incremental releases, customers and stakeholders can interact with and provide feedback on the product features early and throughout the development process. This engagement can lead to a product that more closely meets the user’s needs and expectations.

3. **Flexibility and Adaptability:**
   - Incremental development is inherently more flexible, allowing teams to adapt to new requirements or changing priorities. Adjustments can be made after each iteration, making it easier to accommodate changes without overhauling the entire project scope, unlike the more rigid waterfall approach.

Understanding these benefits highlights why many modern development teams prefer incremental methodologies for their ability to deliver more reliable, user-centered, and adaptable solutions.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** In comparison to a waterfall method, what are the three benefits of incremental development? **Detailed Explanation:** *The question prompt above seeks to compare the incremental development methodology with the traditional waterfall method in software development. It asks specifically for three benefits that incremental development provides over the waterfall method.* For further understanding, here is a brief overview of each method: - **Waterfall Method:** - **Linear and Sequential:** Development progresses through a series of phases such as requirement gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance, strictly in that order. - **Documentation and Planning Heavy:** Each phase has extensive documentation and planning, usually making it rigid and less adaptable to changes. - **Incremental Development:** - **Iterative Approach:** Development is carried out through repeated cycles, where each iteration results in a functional product or feature. - **Flexibility:** This method allows for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout the development process. **Comparison Benefits of Incremental Development:** 1. **Early Detection of Issues:** - Incremental development allows for earlier discovery and resolution of issues, as testing and feedback occur throughout each iteration. In contrast, the Waterfall method may delay testing until the end of the development cycle, potentially leading to more significant issues discovered later. 2. **Customer Feedback and Satisfaction:** - Through incremental releases, customers and stakeholders can interact with and provide feedback on the product features early and throughout the development process. This engagement can lead to a product that more closely meets the user’s needs and expectations. 3. **Flexibility and Adaptability:** - Incremental development is inherently more flexible, allowing teams to adapt to new requirements or changing priorities. Adjustments can be made after each iteration, making it easier to accommodate changes without overhauling the entire project scope, unlike the more rigid waterfall approach. Understanding these benefits highlights why many modern development teams prefer incremental methodologies for their ability to deliver more reliable, user-centered, and adaptable solutions.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th Edi…
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th Edi…
Computer Engineering
ISBN:
9780133594140
Author:
James Kurose, Keith Ross
Publisher:
PEARSON
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition, Fi…
Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition, Fi…
Computer Engineering
ISBN:
9780124077263
Author:
David A. Patterson, John L. Hennessy
Publisher:
Elsevier Science
Network+ Guide to Networks (MindTap Course List)
Network+ Guide to Networks (MindTap Course List)
Computer Engineering
ISBN:
9781337569330
Author:
Jill West, Tamara Dean, Jean Andrews
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Concepts of Database Management
Concepts of Database Management
Computer Engineering
ISBN:
9781337093422
Author:
Joy L. Starks, Philip J. Pratt, Mary Z. Last
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Prelude to Programming
Prelude to Programming
Computer Engineering
ISBN:
9780133750423
Author:
VENIT, Stewart
Publisher:
Pearson Education
Sc Business Data Communications and Networking, T…
Sc Business Data Communications and Networking, T…
Computer Engineering
ISBN:
9781119368830
Author:
FITZGERALD
Publisher:
WILEY