Business Analyst: What is the difference between waterfall and agile methodologies?

Waterfall — sequential. Agile — iterative.

Waterfall:

• Sequential phases (Requirements → Design → Dev → Test → Deploy).
• Each phase must complete before next.
• Less flexible to changes.
• Documentation heavy.
• Works well for stable projects.

Agile:

• Iterative cycles (sprints).
• Continuous feedback and improvement.
• Adaptable to changes.
• Working software over documentation.
• Collaborative approach.

Key differences:

• Waterfall — linear, rigid, plan-driven.
• Agile — iterative, flexible, value-driven.