In the context of development methodologies, what does plan-driven development involve?

Plan-driven development is characterized by a structured approach where detailed planning occurs before the actual development begins. This methodology outlines a clear sequence of development stages, each with specific, planned outputs.

In plan-driven development, the process is often linear and sequential—also known as the waterfall model—where each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. These phases typically include requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance, with predetermined deliverables at the end of each stage. This rigorous planning is intended to minimize uncertainty and ensure that the project adheres to specifications set out at the beginning.

The focus on having planned outputs facilitates better tracking of progress and helps manage stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle. The structured nature of this approach contrasts with more agile methodologies, where flexibility and adaptability in response to ongoing user feedback are prioritized.