Agile is a framework that refers to a set of principles for software development under which requirements and solutions evolve through the collaborative effort of self-organizing cross-functional teams and their customers. It advocates adaptive planning, evolutionary development, early delivery, and continual improvement, coupled with a rapid and flexible response to change.
Key Principles of Agile
Iterative Development
Agile methodologies emphasize iterative progress. Rather than delivering all at once near the end of a project, software is developed in small, usable increments. This can be aligned with the principle of continuous improvement where each iteration lasts typically from one to four weeks.
Customer Collaboration and Feedback
Continuous interaction with the customer is a cornerstone of Agile. Customers are involved throughout the development process which allows for frequent feedback and ensures the development is aligned with user needs.
Self-Organizing Teams
Agile promotes the formation of cross-functional teams that are self-organizing. The team collectively decides how to accomplish the work, rather than being directed by others outside the team.
Response to Change
Agile values responding to changes over following a rigid plan. It acknowledges that customer requirements can shift during a project and emphasizes flexibility to adapt to these changes effectively.
Types of Agile Methodologies
Scrum
Scrum is one of the most popular Agile methodologies. It features a sequence of sprints, usually lasting 2 to 4 weeks, with constant evaluation and adjustment by the team.
Kanban
Kanban focuses on visualizing tasks and managing the flow of work. It aims to increase efficiency by limiting the work in progress and emphasizing continuous delivery.
Extreme Programming (XP)
XP emphasizes technical excellence and includes practices such as pair programming, test-driven development, and frequent releases.
Historical Context
The Agile Manifesto, published in 2001 by a group of software developers, serves as the foundation of the Agile philosophy. The manifesto outlined four key values and twelve principles that aimed at improving the traditional waterfall management model.
Applicability
Agile is widely used not only in software development but also in various other industries like marketing, education, and product development. Its principles of adaptability, customer feedback, and iterative progress have broad applicability.
Comparison to Holacracy
While Agile focuses on iterative development and customer feedback particularly in the context of software development, Holacracy encompasses broader organizational structure and governance. Holacracy is a system of organizational governance where decision-making is distributed through self-organizing teams.
Related Terms
- Scrum: An Agile framework for managing work with an emphasis on software development.
- Kanban: A method for managing knowledge work with an emphasis on just-in-time delivery.
- Lean Software Development: A translation of lean manufacturing principles and practices to the software development domain.
- Continuous Integration: A practice that requires developers to integrate code into a shared repository several times a day.
FAQs
What are the core values of Agile?
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
- Working software over comprehensive documentation.
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
- Responding to change over following a plan.
How does Agile handle changing requirements?
References
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Beck, K. et al. (2001). The Agile Manifesto. Agile Alliance.
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Schwaber, K., & Sutherland, J. (2017). The Scrum Guide. Scrum Inc.
Summary
Agile is a dynamic and flexible approach to software development that emphasizes iterative progress, constant customer feedback, and adaptability to change. Rooted in the Agile Manifesto, it has transformed traditional project management and development methodologies, offering broad applicability beyond software engineering.
