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Waterfall Model — When to Use

publish date: 2026/05/31 02:47:00 UTC

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The diagram below shows the waterfall model's cascading stages.

Requirements DefinitionSystem & Software DesignImplementation & Unit TestIntegration & System TestOperation & Maintenance

In what situation should the waterfall model be used?

When the development team is using an agile methodology

When requirements are expected to change frequently throughout development

When the requirements are well understood and unlikely to change radically during system development

When the system must be delivered in multiple increments

Correct Answer

When the requirements are well understood and unlikely to change radically during system development

Explanation

The waterfall model should only be used when the requirements are well understood and unlikely to change radically during system development. Its major problem is the inflexible partitioning into distinct phases, making it difficult to respond to changing requirements.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 9th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Coping with Change Review