Difference between V-model and Waterfall model

Last Updated : 24 Mar, 2025

In the software business, the Waterfall model and the V-Model are both highly popular development approaches. Both of these paradigms provide systematic assistance for the creation of apps. The primary distinction between the V-Model and the Waterfall Model is that the V-Model identifies flaws during the testing phase, whereas the Waterfall Model identifies flaws at the outset.

Let's Learn more about the V-Model and the Waterfall Model in this post, as well as how they differ from one another.

What is a V-Model?

V-model is the most important model that is used in the process of software testing. It is also known as the verification and Validation Model. The late Paul Rook introduced it in the 1980s. The V-model is a sequential process in which the next phase begins only after the completion of the present phase. In this model, steps don't move in a linear way while the steps are bent upwards.

It is similar to the Waterfall model because we follow the V-model from left to right as well as follow a sequential path of execution of processes like in the waterfall model. In the waterfall model steps are followed as requirements, design, implementation, verification, and finally maintenance. In the same way, the same steps are followed in V-model. So we can say that V-model is the alternative to the waterfall model.

What is Waterfall Model?

The Waterfall model involves initially developing the application, which is followed by various types of testing. In terms of how processes are carried out, the waterfall model is comparable to the V-Model.

The testing activities in the waterfall model are initiated following the conclusion of the development activities.Applications built with the V-Model usually have fewer defects than those built with the Waterfall Model because testing starts early in development, helping to find and fix issues quickly.

Client involvement is important in both the Waterfall and V-Model, but in the V-Model, clients are more engaged throughout the development, especially during the validation stages, compared to the Waterfall model.Debugging takes place after the final step under this model, while problem identification occurs during testing. Comparatively speaking, the Waterfall model is less expensive than the V-Model.