Which methodology breaks a project into tiny phases, allowing developers to progress only after completing each phase?

The Waterfall methodology is a linear and sequential approach to project management that breaks the overall project into distinct, non-overlapping phases. In this methodology, each phase must be fully completed before the next one begins. This means that developers work systematically through each phase—like requirements, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance—ensuring that all tasks associated with a particular phase are finished before moving on.

The benefit of the Waterfall methodology is its structured approach, which provides clarity and predictability. Since each phase has specific deliverables and targets, it is easier to manage project timelines and stakeholders can clearly see progress at the end of each phase. This sequential nature also allows for thorough testing and validation before moving on, reducing the risk of issues in later stages of development.

In contrast, methodologies such as Scrum, RUP, and Extreme Programming incorporate more flexibility, iterative processes, or overlapping phases that allow for continual refinement and potential modifications during the project cycle. While these methodologies are valuable in their own right, they do not adhere to the strict phase-by-phase progression characteristic of the Waterfall methodology.