What is Agile methodology?

Agile is a word used in the information technology industry to describe an alternative method of project management.

Agile is also a process that allows the team to give quick responses to the feedback they receive about their project. It creates opportunities to evaluate the direction of a project during the development cycle. Teams assess the project in regular meetings, called sprints or iterations. Agile is an empowering process that helps companies design and create the ideal product.

This process management style is very beneficial for software companies because it allows them to analyze and improve their products during their development. This gives companies the ability to manufacture a valuable product so that they remain competitive in the market.

Manifesto and Principles 

The Agile manifesto has four important assessments:

1. The focus should be more on people and interactions than on processes and tools
2. Running software is more important than extensive documentation
3. Collaboration with the client is more important than contractual negotiation
4. The process should be responsive to change, rather than following a plan

Agile software development has 12 principles:

1. The highest priority is to satisfy the customer through continuous delivery of software with value
2. It is always accepted that requirements change, no matter how early or late in the project
3. Deliver functional software frequently, in the shortest possible timescale.
4. Developers and business managers must work together daily throughout the project
5. Information is more easily transmitted face-to-face
6. You have to motivate people by creating an environment of appreciation, trust, and empowerment
7. Working software is the primary measure of progress
8. The Agile process promotes sustainable development
9. Continual attention to technical excellence and quality in design improves agility
10. Simplicity is a vital part of good agile management
11. Self-organizing teams produce the best architectures, requirements, and designs.
12. Teams should reflect through review and adaptation to be more effective

Different Agile methods promote the values ​​and principles of Agile. Scrum and XP are two very well known. Our team in Mahisoft uses Scrum as a framework in our software development processes.

What is Scrum? 

Scrum is a framework with great possibilities for controlling and managing iterations and increments in all types of projects. Scrum tactics are lightweight and can be combined with other agile methodologies. They have grown in popularity within the agile development community, as they are simple and have proven productivity.

A Scrum process is distinguished from other Agile processes by its specific concepts. Scrum is most often used to manage complex software and product development using iterative and incremental practices. Its use can be measured in increased productivity and shorter times in development than the classic “waterfall” processes.

The Agile Process

Agile divides a software project into small parts, which can be developed in increments, or iterations. Several studies have proven a negative correlation between project size and project success (in other words: the smaller the project, the higher the probability of success). The Agile methodology reduces the size of the project, creating many small projects. This iterative method distinguishes it from the others.

Unlike other methods, Agile uses iterations during the planning and development phases. Each iteration generally lasts one week. During these sessions, the project team and the client team collaborate to prioritize the needs that will be developed in the next iteration. The result is a quick delivery of working software that meets customer’s priorities.

Customers can test your program and make changes if necessary. Many releases are made during the process, as well as some changes to the program. The iterative process is repeated until the project is finished.

Agile management is a fascinating and exciting software development method. By integrating product developers and customers into the planning and implementation processes, the result is a more rewarding experience for everyone.

When Agile programming is done right, organizations can continually find ways to increase value for their customers. It gives more meaning to those working on the project and creates a more positive experience for the customer, producing more significant benefits for the company.