waterfall methodology

Definition

A sequential project management approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins, flowing downward like a waterfall. Popular before everyone realized that business requirements change faster than waterfalls flow upward.

Example Usage

We abandoned waterfall methodology in favor of agile because our requirements kept changing mid-project.

Origin

Software development methodology formalized by Winston Royce in 1970, though he actually criticized it

Fun Fact

The paper that defined waterfall methodology was actually arguing against using it—but that didn't stop it from dominating software development for three decades.

Source: Project management and software development terminology

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