In the series to help developers and other agile methods users, we are elaborating on Agile methods, principles, and ceremonies.
Agile pioneers have explained the philosophy behind the Agile manifesto using four values and twelve principles, agile manifesto. The software development team applies agile methods by following the values and principles the fathers of agile have set.
The agile method was born in Utah in February 2001 during the “Light Weight” meeting that elaborated the agile manifesto, which is the backbone of agile methods. The whole idea of agile revolves around four philosophical values and twelve meaningful principles that guide agile teams.
In agile, the development team analyzes and designs during the project implementation. Martin Robert discusses this idea in his book “Clean Agile” arguing that analysis, design, and implementation/coding are not separate phases.
The agile methods allow developers to prioritize the essential features of the software when there is a shortage of resources like time, budget, and personnel. Agile pioneers argue that the Agile methods use a suitable approach to solve complex problems. Another good thing with agile is the incrementally and iterative aspects during the software development, allowing continuous changes and delivery to satisfy the customer. It’s good that with Agile, the customer can have the minimum viable product before the end of the project.
By adopting the agile methods, the collaboration between the development team and the customer/client creates a great working environment that contributes to the project’s success. Customer feedback is required regularly and frequently for the project’s success.
Key differences between agile methods and the waterfall model:
- The customer works closely with the development team in agile methods, and the customer can change requirements during the development. For example, you can start the project development with initial requirements while waiting for additional requirements to complete the project. This is not the case for the waterfall model, which is a one-way development process.
- The waterfall model is a plan-based development, conducting a detailed analysis, developing a clear/detailed plan, and then completing that plan. For the waterfall model, most of the time, the customer is unhappy due to less engagement in the project.
- Agile allows continuous integration and continuous delivery of the product.
Key similarities between agile methods and the waterfall model:
- Even if these are two different methods/processes, we should expect the same results, like the quality of the software at the end of development.�
- It is not a mistake to say that agile methods and the waterfall model are the most popular or may be among the most popular software development methods.