Agile vs. Waterfall: Which Software Development Methodology Suits Your UK Business?

Imagine you are about to build a new house. You have two ways to go about it. One way is to plan everything from the start, and the other way is to start with a basic idea and then add things step by step, changing things along the way if needed.

Now think about your UK business. You are about to start a software project. It can be a website, an app, or some system to help your team. You want it done well, on time, and without wasting money. But just like building a house, how you build it matters.

That’s where two common ways of working come in: Agile and Waterfall.

Both are popular, and both work. But they are very different. Also, picking the wrong one can lead to delays, stress, or spending more than you planned.

However, picking the right one can make the whole process smooth and easier. So, how do you know which one suits your business in the UK?

That’s what we will figure out here. We will explore everything from the meaning of each software development methodology to understanding which one will be right for your business.

What is Agile Software Development Methodology?

Agile software development is a flexible and team-focused way of building software. Instead of planning everything from start to finish at once, Agile breaks the work into small, manageable parts called “sprints” or “iterations.”

Each sprint usually lasts 1 to 4 weeks and results in a working piece of the product. In Agile, teams work together and meet often to discuss progress, solve problems, and make changes quickly if needed.

Feedback from the client or user is taken regularly so the final product matches what they really need. This method is great for businesses that want fast results, frequent updates, and teamwork. It's a flexible and fast way to create software.

What is Agile Software Development Methodology?

Agile software development is a flexible and team-focused way of building software. Instead of planning everything from start to finish at once, Agile breaks the work into small, manageable parts called “sprints” or “iterations.”

Each sprint usually lasts 1 to 4 weeks and results in a working piece of the product. In Agile, teams work together and meet often to discuss progress, solve problems, and make changes quickly if needed.

Feedback from the client or user is taken regularly so the final product matches what they really need. This method is great for businesses that want fast results, frequent updates, and teamwork. It's a flexible and fast way to create software.

What is the Waterfall Software Development Methodology?

The Waterfall software development methodology is a linear approach to building software. It follows a predetermined sequence, where each phase is completed before starting the next one.

These phases include requirements gathering, system design, implementation (coding), testing, deployment, and maintenance. In Waterfall, everything is planned in detail from the start. The project begins with clear goals, timelines, and budgets.

Once the requirements are finalised, there is little room for changes. This method is simple to follow and easy to manage. However, it doesn't work well if the project needs changes or regular feedback during the process.

Agile vs. Waterfall Methodology Comparison

Understanding the difference between these two software development methodologies will help you make the right decision.

But why choose the methodology that suits your business?

Because it is important for the success of your software development project.

The table below includes a comparison between Agile and Waterfall to give you a clearer idea before we learn about their differences in detail.

How are Agile and Waterfall Different From Each Other?

Agile and Waterfall are two very different ways of managing software development projects. They are different in the approach they use and also in their flexibility. Here is how they differ:

1. Project Structure

🔘Agile: It is a flexible approach, and work is done in small, repeated cycles called “sprints.” Each sprint delivers a usable part of the software. After every sprint, the team checks the progress, gets feedback, and makes improvements if needed.

🔘Waterfall: It follows a fixed process, like water flowing down steps. First, the plan is made, followed by the design, coding, testing, and delivery. Each step must be finished before the next one starts.

2. Planning

🔘Agile: This approach starts with a basic plan but allows more flexible planning for each sprint. What can be better than knowing that you can make changes based on user feedback and your new business needs?

That is what Agile software development methodology offers. It welcomes new ideas and feedback even in the middle of development.

🔘Waterfall: It requires all the planning to be done at the beginning. You should know what you want, how it will work, and how long it will take before any coding starts. Everything is documented upfront, and the plan doesn’t usually change.

3. Flexibility

🔘Agile: Agile is very flexible. Changes can be made at any time during the project. If something changes mid-project, like customer needs or market demand, you can make changes accordingly. New features can be added, and priorities can be changed between sprints.

🔘Waterfall: It is a rigid approach because it is hard to make changes once the plan is set. Any updates usually mean redoing previous work, which can slow things down.

4. Customer Involvement

🔘Agile: In Agile, customers are involved throughout the project. They regularly review progress, give feedback, and help shape the product after every sprint. This ensures the development aligns with users' demands and expectations.

🔘Waterfall: In Waterfall, customers are mainly involved at the start (to give requirements) and at the end (to review the final product). However, this can lead to missed expectations because there is little or no contact in between.

5. Speed of Delivery

🔘Agile: With Agile, small but working product parts are delivered early and often. Customers can start using features early, even before the product is ready.

🔘Waterfall: Waterfall delivers everything at once, only after the project is finished. This means you may wait months to see anything usable, which can be risky if you need to change direction later.

6. Testing

🔘Agile: In Agile, software testing is done regularly within each sprint. Issues are caught early and fixed immediately, so they don’t pile up. This helps maintain quality throughout the project.

🔘Waterfall: In Waterfall, testing happens after the development is done. If there are bugs, it is often found at the end, which could cause delays and extra costs if big changes are needed.

7. Team Collaboration

🔘Agile: Agile teams collaborate closely. They meet often to discuss progress, blockers, and next steps. Everyone is on the same page, which leads to better communication and faster problem-solving.

🔘Waterfall: In Waterfall, teams often work more independently within specific stages. For example, designers finish their work and then pass it to developers, who pass it to testers. However, this makes communication more limited.

8. Best For

🔘Agile: It is great for projects that need flexibility, fast delivery, and regular updates. It suits businesses that want to try new ideas, test frequently, or get user feedback early, like tech startups, mobile apps or websites.

🔘Waterfall: It is better when the product is clearly understood from the beginning and when the process needs to follow strict steps. It is ideal for projects with fixed requirements and no expected changes.

9. Risk Management

🔘Agile: Agile helps manage risk better by catching problems early. But how is it possible? Because the work is done in small steps and reviewed often, issues can be fixed right away. This reduces the chances of failures at the end.

🔘Waterfall: In Waterfall, since everything is tested and reviewed only after the development is done, there is often more risk. If something major goes wrong, it might require starting over or reworking large parts of the project.

10. Documentation

🔘Agile: Agile focuses more on working software than paperwork. While some documents are still needed, Agile prefers direct communication and collaboration rather than spending too much time writing everything down.

🔘Waterfall: Waterfall depends very much on documents. Everything is written down, from the initial plan to design details and testing instructions. This is good for projects where records are needed, but it can slow things down.

Pros and Cons of Agile Software Development Methodology

Agile development methodology is the best option because of the flexibility it offers and allows for changes even in the middle of development. However, they also have some disadvantages. Below, we are going to explore both its pros and cons.

Pros of Agile

🔘More Flexible to Changes: Agile allows you to make changes as the project moves forward. If you realise something’s not right halfway through or a new idea comes up, you can adjust quickly without having to restart from scratch.

🔘Faster Feedback: Since development is done in short cycles, just like adaptive software development, the team can show working parts of the product every few weeks. This allows you to improve and correct mistakes early instead of waiting until the end.

🔘Better Team Communication: Daily meetings and shared responsibilities encourage teamwork. Everyone knows what others are working on, which helps avoid confusion and solves issues quickly.

🔘Active Customer Involvement: Another advantage of Agile methodology is active client involvement. Clients can provide feedback and see updates to ensure the final product meets their expectations.

🔘Problems are Caught Early: Since testing happens during every sprint, bugs and mistakes are found early and fixed quickly, which means fewer headaches later and ensures smooth performance.

Cons of Agile

🔘Difficult to Predict Final Cost and Time: Since the project is open to changes along the way, it can be difficult to predict a clear timeline, cost, or resources. This is often tricky for businesses with tight budgets.

🔘Needs a Committed Customer: The client needs to be available regularly to review progress and give feedback. If they are busy or not involved, it will not take much time for things to go off track.

🔘Can Lead to Scope Creep: As Agile allows changes, there’s a risk that too many new ideas keep getting added. This can stretch the project longer than expected if not properly managed.

🔘Team Needs to Be Self-Managed: Agile works best when the team is experienced, organised, and good at managing time and tasks. Without this, the development process can take more time.

🔘Documentation Can Be Lighter: Agile focuses on working software, which means you can receive less documentation. This could be a problem later when updating or handing over the project.

Pros and Cons of Waterfall Software Development Methodology

It is not only Agile that has some disadvantages, but also the Waterfall methodology. Here are some pros and cons of the Waterfall software development methodology.

Pros of Waterfall

🔘Clear and Structured Process: Everything is planned from the start, so each team member knows what to do and when. They follow a strict sequence, including planning, design, development, testing, and launch, which helps bring more clarity.

🔘Well-Defined Requirements: Waterfall involves setting requirements from the start. Everything the client wants is written down and agreed upon among the client and the development team before work begins. This ensures the team knows what they have to build and the final product meets the client’s requirements and expectations.

🔘Easy to Manage: Waterfall is easier to manage and track. Project managers can follow progress by timelines and milestones, which helps them know when one stage ends and the next begins. 

🔘Strong Documentation: Every part of the project is well documented. This is useful for future reference, training new team members, or showing work to clients or regulators.

🔘Works Well for Fixed Budgets: As most of the planning is done before starting the development process and understanding the client’s requirements, it is easier to estimate software development costs and time. This helps businesses stick to a budget.

Cons of Waterfall

🔘Hard to Make Changes: One of the disadvantages of the Waterfall methodology is that you can’t make changes later in the project. If you want to change something, it can take more time and involve more development costs because you would need to go back and fix it.

🔘Slow Delivery: If you choose Waterfall for your development project, you can’t see the final product until the very end. If something goes wrong, it may not be caught until late in the project.

🔘Less Customer Interaction During Development: After the planning phase is done, the customer has little involvement until the final product is delivered. This can lead to miscommunication or unmet expectations.

🔘Risk of Misunderstanding Early Requirements: If the requirements at the start weren’t 100% clear or the client wasn’t sure what they needed, the end product might not be right or meet the user’s needs, even if it matched the plan.

🔘Less Adaptive to New Ideas: Waterfall works best when the project's goals are fixed. If the market, client, or business needs change midway or you want to add new features or try different approaches, the project may struggle to adjust because the method is rigid by design.

When to Use Agile?

If you are also wondering when you should use Agile or opt for Agile development for your business in the UK, we are here to help. Agile is best when your project needs flexibility, teamwork, and quick updates. Here is when you should use it.

You Don’t Know Everything at the Start

In many projects, you don’t always have all the answers upfront. Maybe you are building a new product or entering a new market. Agile allows you to start with what you know and then shape the rest as you learn more. It is like taking small steps while checking the path ahead each time.

The Project Scope is Likely to Change

If your innovative business idea or goal isn’t shaped yet or if you think changes will happen as you proceed, Agile will help manage those shifts smoothly. It is great for situations where the client's needs, market demands, or features can change.

You Want to Launch Quickly

Sometimes, it is better to first launch a basic version of your product, which is called MVP (Minimum Viable Product, test it with users, and improve based on feedback. Agile makes this easy because it breaks work into short, repeatable cycles.

Recommended Reads: Top 10 MVP Development Companies In the UK

The Client or Stakeholder Can Stay Involved Regularly

Agile works best when the person requesting the project (like a client or business owner) is available to join regular meetings, give feedback, and help decide what’s next. It will help ensure everyone stays on the same page.

The Team is Comfortable with Flexibility and Teamwork

Agile works best with teams that talk to each other often, can solve problems together, and aren’t afraid to change course if something isn’t working. Teams make decisions together and take ownership of their tasks. Agile gives them room to grow and do their best work.

You Need Continuous Delivery or Frequent Updates

For websites, mobile apps, or software with frequent changes and updates, Agile helps you make improvements quickly. You don’t need to wait for the project to be done to release useful features.

When to Use Waterfall?

The waterfall development methodology is usually a better choice when you have planned everything from the beginning, and the process needs to follow a fixed path. Let’s look at the details of when you should use it.

All Requirements Are Clear from the Start

The Waterfall is great when you know exactly what you need at the start, like what the final product should do and what it should look like, and also, those needs won’t change.

For example, if your client provides a list of features and doesn’t plan to change them later, you can use the Waterfall methodology for your business.

You Need a Strict Timeline and Budget

In Waterfall, planning is done before work begins. This means you can estimate correctly how long the project will take, how much it will cost, and what resources you will need.

This is helpful for clients who want to avoid surprises and also for some businesses for whom planning every detail before you begin is important.

Your Client or Team Isn’t Available Often

Some clients may not have time for regular meetings, and some teams prefer to focus without many changes or interruptions. Waterfall lets you gather all the requirements at the start. After that, you can continue the work without needing much interaction until the project is finished.

You Need Detailed Documentation

Some industries need every stage of work documented and approved. Waterfall provides structured paperwork and records at every phase, which is helpful for compliance and audits.

The Project Needs to Be Delivered All at Once

If the product or service needs to be delivered in one complete package, not in small parts, Waterfall will suit your UK business the best. There’s no early release of features. Everything is tested and finalised before launch.l

Hybrid Approach: Can You Have Both?

A hybrid approach is when you combine the step-by-step structure of Waterfall and the flexibility of Agile. You can use both of these software development methodologies, and it can even benefit you. Why? Because not every project fits perfectly into one box.

For example, you can use Waterfall for planning and initial setup and then switch to Agile during the software design, development, and testing stages. Some projects need clear rules and timelines from the start (Waterfall), but also benefit from flexibility later (Agile).

Hybrid lets you enjoy the best of both approaches. It offers stable planning with room to adjust. A hybrid approach is great for projects with a fixed deadline and budget, but may need changes in some areas as they move forward.

It is also helpful when working with both technical and non-technical teams, as Waterfall helps with documentation and reporting, while Agile supports creative and testing work. The main benefit of a hybrid approach is that it allows control where needed and freedom where it helps the project succeed.

Many UK businesses choose this mix to balance control and creativity, allowing teams to plan with confidence while still being able to adjust when needed.

Tips to Choose the Right Approach

If you are unsure which approach will best suit your business for your software development project, you can follow these simple tips. Here are some ways to implement if you want to choose the right approach.

1. Understand Your Project Requirements

You need to first start by checking how clear you are about your project goals and features. If you have planned everything and are sure there will be changes, Waterfall should be your ideal choice.

However, if the project is still taking shape or you expect the goals will change along the way, Agile can be more useful because it supports regular changes and updates.

2. Client or Team Involvement

Another thing you have to decide is how much you want to be involved in the development process.

Agile will be a better choice if you want to be actively involved, give feedback during development, and make decisions as the project grows.

The Waterfall will be the best if you prefer everything to be decided at the start because it follows a fixed and structured path.

3. Check the Time and Budget Limits

Waterfall gives more control when it comes to sticking with a specific timeline and budget. That is because you plan everything in detail at the start, which helps you better predict costs and schedules.

However, if the project changes along the way or you are unsure how long some parts will take, Agile gives you the flexibility to adjust the plan and budget in smaller steps.

Just be careful, as this can sometimes increase the development time if not managed well.

4. Look at Team Experience

Does your team already know how to work in Agile or Waterfall? Using a method your team is comfortable with will save time and confusion.

A team that knows Agile can handle quick changes and fast feedback cycles well. A team trained in Waterfall can work better through a set plan and complete tasks step by step.

5. Consider the Project Type

Think about the nature of your project. Is it creative or experimental, like a mobile app with changing user needs? That is a good fit for Agile, where you build, test, and improve bit by bit.

However, if the project follows a fixed process, Waterfall may be better because it handles predictable steps well. If your project has both, you can also think about combining the two (a hybrid approach).

6. Think About Delivery Style

You also have to decide whether you want to deliver the final product only after everything is done or want to launch smaller parts along the way.

Waterfall is ideal if you want to release everything in one go, after thorough testing. Or you can opt for Agile if you want to release early versions of your product to test with users, get feedback, and improve it gradually.

7. Start Small and Test

If you are still unsure which way to go, you don’t have to commit fully from day one. Try applying Agile to just a part of your project, like a specific feature or section, while using Waterfall for the rest.

This helps you see what works best for your team and your business. Over time, you can also decide whether to shift fully to one method or continue using a mix of both.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there is no single answer that suits every business when it comes to choosing between Agile and Waterfall. These two approaches offer both advantages and disadvantages, but they are very much different from each other.

Waterfall software development methodology is best for your UK business if you need a clear plan and a fixed budget and will not require changes during the development.

On the other hand, Agile will be the best choice if you are building software that needs room to grow, change, and improve with feedback. It is about how your team works, how involved your clients want to be, and what the project needs.

Some businesses even combine both methods in a hybrid model to make the most out of each. So take a moment to look at your goals, talk to your team, and think through your needs before you decide.

The right choice will help your project move smoothly, save you time, and make sure the final product does what it's supposed to, like helping your business grow and meeting your users' unmet demands and expectations.

Also, if you want to build the software based on your business needs, you can contact Arramton Infotech today. They can develop it depending on your budget and the development approach you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the main difference between Agile and Waterfall?

Ans The difference is in how the work is planned and done. Waterfall is like a straight line; you plan everything at the start, then build step by step until the end. Agile is more like a loop; you can build small parts, test them, and keep changing things as needed until the project is done.

Q2 Is Agile faster than Waterfall?

Ans It depends. Agile helps you start building sooner and make changes along the way, so it might feel faster. But if your project needs a clear end with no changes, Waterfall can be quick since it follows a fixed path. The best one depends on what your project needs.

Q3 Which method costs more: Agile or Waterfall?

Ans Agile can sometimes cost more because changes and extra work may happen during the project. But it also helps avoid big mistakes. Waterfall is more fixed, so costs are easier to plan, but if you miss something early on, fixing it later can be costly. So, each has its own way of handling money.

Q4 Can a small UK business afford Agile development?

Ans Yes, small businesses can use Agile. It may seem costly at first, but it helps you catch problems early and avoid major changes later. This saves time and money in the long run. You also get to test ideas quickly and improve based on feedback.

Q5 Can I switch from Waterfall to Agile halfway through a project?

Ans Yes, but it’s not always easy. You may need to change your team’s way of working, tools, and plans. It is possible, especially if the current method isn’t working well, but it’s best to make that choice early if you can.

Q6 When to choose Agile vs Waterfall?

Ans You can choose Agile when your project needs regular changes or when you are not 100% sure what the final product should look like. It’s good when you want to see progress quickly and get feedback often. Choose Waterfall if your project is clear from the start, with fixed steps and not many changes expected. It is a better fit when working on things like government or legal systems with strict rules.