Waterfall Process vs. Incremental Process

Foundation Series: Software Process (Waterfall Process versus Incremental Process)

A software process is the set of activities required to create software. This process can be defined with very precise steps, roles and responsibilities. The process can also be defined with a more fluid set activities in pursuit of concrete, high level objectives. Or software can be created without explicitly defining or following any process at all. The steps are always present, even if not conciously managed or defined.

A common framework is needed to compare processes and their merits. All software development includes the following three steps in some combination:

1. Decide what to do.
2. Do it.
3. Deliver it.

It sounds like an overly simplified list; Decide, Develop, Deliver. We'll see that it isn't.

Source: Tyner Blain, http://tynerblain.com/blog/2006/01/03/foundation-series-software-process-waterfall-process-versus-incremental-process/
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