What is Agile methodology?
Agile methodology is not just a set of practices, it is a Way of Thinking and philosophy, the purpose of which is to quickly respond to changes in the course of the workflow. It implies an iterative approach to software development and project management. Instead of releasing a product as a whole, a team using the Agile platform gets the job done in small but convenient parts.
Different agile frameworks guarantee your project team can release specific products over and over again without delays due to clarifications and changes. Agile framework methodology helps teams respond quickly to feedback from customers, thereby constantly improving the product being produced. An agile methodology is characterized by the flexibility and speed of the team, as well as the maximum transparency of work processes.
What is an Agile framework?
Agile development framework is based on the Agile Software Development Manifesto, which contains 4 core ideas and 12 principles. Every year, new methods and modifications of the agile software development framework appear. 4 key Agile framework methodology ideas focus on the flexibility and adaptability of this approach.
4 key Agile framework values
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People and interaction are more important than processes and tools
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A working product is more important than comprehensive documentation
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Cooperation with the customer is more important than agreeing on the terms of the contract
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Being ready for change is more important than following the original plan
Agile frameworks
- Scrum
- Kanban
- DSDM
- XP
- Lean
- Crystal
Scrum
Scrum framework is a project management methodology in which the team is led by the Scrum Master. Its main task is to remove barriers to the completion of the project. In the Scrum software development framework, the workflow is divided into equal periods from 1 to 4 weeks (sprints), depending on the project and the team.
Kanban
According to the Kanban agile frameworks, the project is divided into stages, which are visualized in the form of a kanban board. Stages, for example, planning, development, testing, release, etc. Tasks in the form of “cards” move from stage to stage. New tasks to agile platforms can be added at any time. The task is closed not after a specific time has elapsed, but after the status is changed to “completed”. Kanban agile methodology helps smooth out irregularities and clearly shows where to improve current processes.
DSDM
DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Model) is a methodology in the agile development process that demonstrates a set of principles, predefined role types, and techniques. The principles of this Agile framework are aimed at the main goal - to deliver the finished project on time and within the budget, with the possibility of adjusting the requirements in the development process.
XP
XP (Extreme Programming) is an agile project management methodology that focuses on constantly changing product requirements and offers 12 approaches to achieve effective results in such conditions.
Lean
The key idea of Lean is the most economical and reasonable approach to project resources. The Lean agile software development methodology is a set of tools and principles aimed at identifying and eliminating potential losses to accelerate the development process.
Crystal
The peculiarity of the Crystal agile development methodology is that it is unique for each specific project, for each company. In this Agile project management framework, it is customary to divide all projects into vital and non-vital.
Agile team roles
A feature of role distribution in an agile model is that the team here is cross-functional. Everyone can take on different tasks and is willing to learn new things. In the most common framework Scrum there are three main roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developer. These are the classic roles of an Agile team.
Product owner
In the agile scrum framework, the Product Owner is the person responsible for the vision of the end product and its value to the user. The task of the Product Owner is to create a product that people need and convey this idea to developers so that they understand what they are working on and why. The Product Owner reduces project time by focusing on the essentials and involving customers and the team in product development.
Scrum Master
The Scrum Master helps the agile team align with the values and principles of agility and deliver the product effectively. He is a mentor, coach, facilitator, and team coach in an Agile project. His main goal is to create a cool team that can handle any challenge. He constantly finds areas of development and ways to raise the bar for the team's capabilities.
Development team
The development team in an Agile method are the people who work on the Sprint backlog items. They have all the necessary competencies to create a working product increment for every Sprint. Developers create the Sprint Backlog, adapt their Sprint Goal Plan daily, strive for quality, and help each other develop their product development skills.
Main advantages of the Agile methodology framework
- Product quality
- High development speed
- Minimizing risks
- Flexibility
- Fast feedback
- Transperancy
Product quality
Involving the customer in the process of each iteration makes it possible to adjust the whole agile process, which invariably improves quality.
High development speed
The iteration lasts no more than 3 weeks. By the end of this period, there is necessarily a result. Agile development methodology also allows to quickly show the system users a workable product, thereby activating the process of clarifying and supplementing the demands.
Minimizing risks
Agile allows the customer to pay for several iterations and understand in the process that he will get exactly what he wants, on time and at an affordable price. The customer can monitor the development progress, adjust the project functionality, test or run it, he can even stop it at any time.
Flexibility
Agile concepts provide for the possibility of flexible design since it embodies the advantages of the waterfall model, and at the same time, iterations are allowed through all phases of the same model.
Fast feedback
Feedback from users to developers is done with high frequency and early in the model to ensure the desired high-quality product is created.
Transparency
Stakeholders, clients participate in each iteration throughout the development lifecycle in an agile process, providing continuous constructive feedback and review sessions to meet their expectations and adding transparency to the project development process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Agile really means?
Talking about Agile methodology definition, Agile is a flexible approach to project management and software development that is often used in small teams and large organizations. Agile promotes some principles and values based on the Agile Manifesto. Agile application development has its Agile diagram (life cycle) of development, that helps to implement a set of planning and management practices.
How many frameworks are there in agile?
There are different types of agile methodologies (agile frameworks) that underpin the principles and values of the Agile Manifesto. Agile frameworks list big enough. Agile frameworks list contains Kanban, Scrum, Lean, XP, Crystal, DSDM - they are commonly used ones. Different agile frameworks are typically called the Agile umbrella.
What are the three main agile frameworks?
The most popular agile methodologies are Scrum, Kanban, and eXtreme Programming (XP). These three main agile frameworks are consistent with the principles in the Agile Manifesto.
Why do I need Agile approaches?
Agile promotes specific design and management principles and values that help better meet customer needs. So, different Agile methodologies and management approaches focus the team on the clients' goals and needs, simplify the organizational structure and processes, and offer work in short cycles.
How does agile relate to design thinking?
Agile platform development is aimed at the way of software development and flexible project management. Design thinking is primarily focused on ensuring that the development meets the client's expectations. In this case, the main task of the second approach is to work out the client's requirements.
What is the difference between Scrum and Agile?
Scrum and Agile are specific methodologies that are used in IT project management. The main difference between Agile and Scrum is that the first is a whole philosophy, a set of project management techniques, that are based on core principles and values. Scrum is one of the types of Agile development methods used to facilitate a project.
What do Agile frameworks have in common?
All Agile frameworks are designed to support the principles and values on which Agile software development methodology is based. While each of these components of agile methodology has its unique aspects, each ensures that you follow the basics of project management to complete your project successfully.
What is the Agile team structure?
Agile team structure mostly include the Product owner, team professionals, and stakeholders. The product owner is a dedicated role. He focuses on the value of the product, for customers, the market, prioritizes tasks, and decides which functionality is needed first. All team members jointly plan the sprint, demonstrate the results to stakeholders, and look for ways to solve problems with both the product and the work process. The entire team in the Agile process regularly receives feedback from stakeholders - users, customers, sponsors, etc.