Waterfall model in Software Engineering - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the Waterfall model in software development?

The Waterfall model is a step-by-step approach to software development where each phase must be completed before the next one begins. It flows downwards like a waterfall through stages such as requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.

beginner

List the main phases of the Waterfall model.

The main phases are:<br>1. Requirements gathering<br>2. System design<br>3. Implementation (coding)<br>4. Testing<br>5. Deployment<br>6. Maintenance

beginner

Why is the Waterfall model called 'waterfall'?

Because the process flows in one direction, like water falling down steps. Each phase flows into the next without going back, making it a linear and sequential approach.

intermediate

What is a major limitation of the Waterfall model?

It is hard to go back to a previous phase once it is finished. This makes it difficult to handle changes or fix mistakes discovered late in the process.

intermediate

In what situations is the Waterfall model most suitable?

It works best when requirements are clear and unlikely to change, such as in simple or well-understood projects where a structured approach is helpful.

Which phase comes immediately after the requirements phase in the Waterfall model?

A System design

B Testing

C Implementation

D Maintenance

After gathering requirements, the next step is to design the system based on those requirements.

What is a key characteristic of the Waterfall model?

A Phases overlap and repeat

B Phases are completed sequentially without going back

C It is highly flexible to changes at any time

D It uses continuous integration

The Waterfall model is linear and sequential, meaning each phase must finish before the next begins.

Why might the Waterfall model be less suitable for complex projects?

A Because it allows too many changes

B Because it is too fast

C Because it is difficult to go back and make changes once a phase is done

D Because it requires no documentation

The Waterfall model does not handle changes well once a phase is completed, which can be a problem in complex projects.

Which phase in the Waterfall model involves writing the actual code?

A Implementation

B Requirements gathering

C Testing

D Deployment

Implementation is the phase where developers write the software code.

What happens during the maintenance phase of the Waterfall model?

A Writing test cases

B Designing the system

C Gathering requirements

D Fixing bugs and updating the software after deployment

Maintenance involves fixing issues and making updates after the software is deployed.

Explain the sequence of phases in the Waterfall model and why it is called 'waterfall'.

Think about how water flows down steps without going back up.

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using the Waterfall model in software development.

Consider how changes affect a step-by-step process.