Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
Waterfall Model – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A sequential development model in which each phase must be completed before the next begins.
In simple words
Requirements → design → build → test → release, in a straight line with limited backtracking.
Exam tip
Waterfall pushes most testing to the end, making shift-left and V-model variants attractive.
Related terms
- Sequential Development ModelClassic phase-gate development — one stage finishes before the next starts. Waterfall and V-model are examples.
- V-ModelEach dev phase (requirements, design, code) has a matching test level (acceptance, system, component) drawn as a V.
- Shift-Left TestingStart testing — reviews, unit tests, static analysis — as early as possible, not at the end.
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