Agile methodology refers to a set of principles and practices for project management and software development characterized by iterative development, collaboration, and responsiveness to change. It emphasizes delivering value incrementally rather than through a large, upfront plan.
Core principles (from the Agile Manifesto)
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
Common agile frameworks
Several frameworks implement Agile principles, including:
- Scrum: Focuses on short iterations (sprints), defined roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), and regular meetings (Daily Standup, Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective).
- Kanban: Visualizes workflow on a board, limits work-in-progress (WIP), and focuses on continuous flow.
- Lean Software Development: Emphasizes eliminating waste, amplifying learning, and delivering fast.
- Extreme Programming (XP): Focuses on technical practices like pair programming, test-driven development (TDD), and continuous integration.
Benefits of agile
- Increased Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing requirements.
- Faster Time-to-Market: Incremental delivery of working software.
- Improved Quality: Continuous feedback and testing loops.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Closer work between developers, stakeholders, and customers.
- Higher Customer Satisfaction: Focus on delivering value aligned with user needs.
Agile methodologies help teams navigate uncertainty and complexity by promoting adaptive planning, evolutionary development, early delivery, and continuous improvement.
