Final answer:
The waterfall method follows a sequential process, while the agile method emphasizes flexibility and collaboration. Waterfall teams work on one step at a time, while agile teams develop smaller portions in sprints. Waterfall projects require extensive documentation, while agile teams prioritize communication and collaboration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The waterfall method of software development and the agile method differ in terms of their approach to project management and development. The waterfall method follows a sequential process where each step follows the previous one in a direct sequence, and the entire project is divided into distinct phases such as requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. In contrast, the agile method emphasizes flexibility and collaboration, with the project team working in time-bound iterations or sprints to develop and deliver smaller portions of the entire project.
One difference between the two methods is the approach to development. In the waterfall method, the team works on one step of the development at a time, completing it before moving on to the next step. On the other hand, agile teams develop smaller portions of the entire project in small sprints, allowing for incremental progress and regular feedback.
Another difference lies in the level of documentation. In the waterfall method, extensive documentation is typically required for each phase of the project to ensure clear requirements, designs, and specifications. In contrast, agile teams focus more on communication and collaboration, with less emphasis on detailed documentation.