What is Agile Development? A Beginner's Guide

FAQs

Agile is a set of software development methodologies where software is delivered in small, frequent releases. There is continuous evaluation of requirements, design, and testing, leading to more flexibility and better response to changes.

1. Scrum: Perhaps the most well-known of the Agile methodologies, Scrum is characterized by fixed-length iterations called sprints (typically two weeks) where teams aim to complete a pre-determined set of features from their backlog.

2. Kanban: Unlike Scrum, Kanban focuses on visualizing the entire project on boards, allowing for continuous delivery without prescribed sprints. The primary goal is to identify potential bottlenecks in the process and increase efficiency based on workflow.

3. Extreme Programming (XP): This methodology aims to improve software quality and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. XP emphasizes technical practices including test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration (CI), and pair programming.

4. Lean software development: Originating from the principles of lean manufacturing, this methodology focuses on maximizing customer value while minimizing waste.

Agile computing refers to the application of Agile methodologies beyond project management and into broader IT and computing processes. It involves using Agile principles to handle systems administration, infrastructure management, and other IT services. In agile computing, IT teams use flexible, iterative approaches to manage changes and improvements in computing environments. It is closely related to DevOps.

Agile project management is an iterative approach to managing software development and other project types that focuses on continuous releases and incorporating customer feedback with every iteration. Unlike traditional project management methodologies, which are organized to deliver a complete product at the end of the project lifecycle, Agile project management divides tasks into small, manageable units known as sprints or iterations.

Scrum is the most popular Agile methodology. Scrum follows an iterative development model for smaller, quicker deliveries and follows the core values and principles of Agile development.

Agile is a methodology, on which many versions like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean are based. Agile methodology follows the principles of continuous and iterative development, and smaller, more frequent deliveries.

Waterfall is a strict, stepwise design process in which progress is seen as flowing steadily downward, like a waterfall. Waterfall phases must be followed in precise sequence: The development team doesn’t progress to the next step until and unless the previous one is successfully completed. Also known as the Linear Sequential Life Cycle Model, Waterfall is the easiest approach to manage and tends to work well for smaller projects whose requirements are easily understood in advance. Unlike Waterfall, Agile development and testing activities happen currently, allowing for greater communication and teamwork among customers, developers, managers, and testers. Agile focuses squarely on the needs of customers and involves them continuously at every stage. As compared with Waterfall, Agile is expressly designed to reduce risk, accommodate in-flight change, shorten development time, and ensure high-quality results.

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What is Agile Development? A Beginner's Guide

FAQs

What is Agile in simple terms?

What are the 4 main Agile methodologies?

What is Agile computing?

What is Agile project management?

Is Scrum an Agile or Waterfall methodology?

Is Agile a methodology or framework?

What is the Waterfall methodology?

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