Abstract : Software development methodologies significantly influence the success, cost efficiency, and quality of software projects. Two of the most widely adopted Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models are the Agile and Waterfall models. The Waterfall model follows a linear sequential process, while Agile emphasizes iterative and incremental development with continuous feedback. This research presents a comparative analysis of Agile and Waterfall models using mathematical modelling, project performance metrics, and theoretical analysis. A mathematical framework is developed to evaluate productivity, defect rate, cost efficiency, and development time under both models. The study applies cost functions, reliability models, and iteration-based productivity equations to compare the effectiveness of the two approaches. Results indicate that Agile demonstrates higher adaptability and reduced defect propagation in dynamic environments, whereas Waterfall performs better in stable, well-defined projects requiring strict documentation and planning. The findings contribute to decision-making frameworks for selecting appropriate development methodologies.
Keywords : Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Methodology, Waterfall Model, Mathematical Modeling, Project Management, Software Engineering.
Cite : Kumar, V. (2026). A Comparative Study Of Agile And Waterfall Models In Software Development: A Mathematical Model-Based Analysis (1st ed., pp. 79-87). Noble Science Press. https://noblesciencepress.org/chapter/nspebeparddias2026ch-09
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