Documentation in Agile vs Waterfall

Here's a comparison of the documentation in Agile versus Waterfall development methodologies:

Documentation in Agile Development

Agile development values working software over comprehensive documentation but still requires certain key documents to ensure clarity, alignment, and effective communication. The documentation is typically lightweight, dynamic, and evolves with the project.

1. Product Backlog
2. Sprint Backlog
3. User Stories
4. Acceptance Criteria
5. Sprint Planning Documents
6. Definition of Done (DoD)
7. Burndown Chart
8. Retrospective Notes
9. Technical Documentation
10. Test Plans and Test Cases

Documentation in Waterfall Development

Waterfall development involves thorough upfront planning and detailed documentation at each phase. The documentation is comprehensive and typically more static, with a focus on detailed requirements, design, and planning.

1. Project Charter
2. Requirements Specification
3. Design Document
4. Implementation Plan
5. Test Plan
6. User Documentation
7. Training Materials
8. Deployment Plan
9. Maintenance and Support Plan
10. Project Closure Document

Final Conclusion of Comparison

• Agile Documentation: Focuses on iterative, just-in-time documentation that evolves with the project. It emphasises simplicity and brevity, with frequent updates to reflect current project status.
• Waterfall Documentation: Focuses on comprehensive, upfront documentation with detailed planning and design. It emphasises thoroughness and completeness, with documents created at the beginning of each phase and often less frequent updates.

Agile documentation supports a flexible, adaptive approach, while Waterfall documentation supports a structured, sequential approach to project management !!