| Complexity | The Waterfall model is simple and easy. | The spiral model is a lot more complex. |
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| Development Method | The waterfall model works in a sequential method. | While the spiral model works in the evolutionary method. |
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| Risk Management | In the waterfall model errors or risks are identified and rectified after the completion of stages. | In the spiral model errors or risks are identified and rectified earlier. |
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| Adoption | The waterfall model is adopted by customers. | While the spiral model is adopted by developers. |
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Project Size Suitability
| The waterfall model is applicable for small projects. | While the Spiral model is used for large projects. |
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| Planning | In waterfall model requirements and early stage planning is necessary. | While in spiral model requirements and early stage planning is necessary if required. |
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| Flexibility to Change | Flexibility to change in waterfall model is Difficult. | Flexibility to change in spiral model is not Difficult. |
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| Risk Level | There is high amount risk in waterfall model. | There is low amount risk in spiral model. |
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| Cost | Waterfall model is comparatively inexpensive. | While cost of spiral model is very expensive. |
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| Customer Involvement | Customer involvement is minimum in Waterfall Model | In the Spiral Model Customer involvement is high. |
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| Maintenance | It requires least maintenance. | It requires typical maintenance. |
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| Framework Type | It is based on linear framework type. | It is based on linear and iterative framework type. |
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| Testing | Testing is done after the coding phase in the development life cycle. | Testing is done after the engineering phase in the development cycle. |
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| Reusability | Reusability is extremely unlikely. | To a certain extent, reusability is possible. |
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| Customer Control | Customer control over the administrator is very limited. | Customers have control over the administrator as compared to waterfall model. |
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