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The Waterfall Model is a sequential software development process model that follows the following defined phases:

1. Conception
2. Initiation
3. Analysis
4. Design
5. Construction
6. Testing
7. Production/Implementation
8. Maintenance

Using the software development life cycle's (SDLC) common steps, the waterfall model enforces moving to the next phase only after completion of the previous phase. Returning to a previous phase is frowned upon unless there is a clear need to do so.

Source: Waterfall Model