Agile is a project management and software development approach that emphasizes iterative progress, collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. It's a response to traditional "waterfall" methods where everything was planned upfront and executed sequentially.
The Agile Manifesto
In 2001, seventeen software developers created the Agile Manifesto, valuing:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
Key Agile Principles
- Deliver working software frequently
- Welcome changing requirements
- Business and developers work together daily
- Build projects around motivated individuals
- Face-to-face conversation is most effective
- Working software is the primary measure of progress
- Sustainable development pace
- Continuous attention to technical excellence
- Simplicity (maximize work not done)
- Self-organizing teams
- Regular reflection and adjustment
Agile Frameworks
Scrum
Most popular agile framework:
- Sprints: 1-4 week development cycles
- Roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Team
- Ceremonies: Planning, Daily Standup, Review, Retrospective
- Artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment
Kanban
Visual workflow management:
- Visualize work on a board
- Limit work in progress
- Focus on flow
- Continuous delivery
Extreme Programming (XP)
Engineering practices focus:
- Pair programming
- Test-driven development
- Continuous integration
- Frequent releases
Agile vs. Waterfall
| Agile | Waterfall | |-------|-----------| | Iterative | Sequential | | Flexible scope | Fixed scope | | Continuous delivery | Single delivery | | Embrace change | Resist change | | Working software early | Working software late |
Benefits of Agile
- Faster time to value
- Better alignment with user needs
- Reduced risk through iteration
- Improved quality through continuous testing
- Higher team morale
- Better visibility into progress
When Agile Works Best
- Requirements will evolve
- Fast time to market matters
- User feedback is valuable
- Team can collaborate closely
When Agile Struggles
- Fixed scope/budget contracts
- Distributed teams (can work but harder)
- Inexperienced teams
- Stakeholders expecting detailed upfront plans