subject: 10 Major Ideologies Of Agile Development [print this page] Every now and then, one might hear about some new technology, especially in the field of IT. Agile software development, a recently evolved technology has brought in a new way of managing software projects. Ten different approaches in which agile development is different from traditional software development services are:
Active involvement of users: It is mandatory in the process of Agile Development that users should be actively involved in designing of software. It facilitates clear communication and understanding of requirements. These requirements can be prioritized and can be clarified on daily basis. It reduces probability of errors, while at the same time; there is complete transparency between software developers and users.
Team members are given power to make decision: The team has the complete responsibility of delivering project on time and thus, they should be allowed to make decision.
Requirements evolve and emerge: Agile development follows different approach. It believes that by the time one would analyze requirements, the external condition would change and so, no one can foresee the right solutions at the time, when requirements are written. Thus, this software development methodology accepts change.
Capture high-level requirements: Agile development teams capture high level requirements and work together in a highly collaborative way so that all team members understand the requirements as well as each other. It is a joint activity that allows everybody to understand the needs and contribute his/her best.
Follows Iterative approach: Software products following agile development methodology are delivered in small modules. This approach reduces risk by clear visibility of whats completed by date throughout the project. It increases value, flexibility and aids in better cost management. Another important point to be focused is to develop things on priority order.
Frequency delivery of product: A product or software should be delivered incrementally on regular basis. Gone are the days when a project used to take a complete year to finish. Now, companies follow regular release cycle that allows you to plan accordingly.
Done means done: Each feature should be completely developed, styled, and tested and accepted by the product owner before start of the next one. Though multiple features can be started in parallel, depending upon the team situation, but within the work of each developer, done means done should be strictly followed.
80/20 rule: 80% of results come from only 20% of efforts. Thus, one should focus on area in which 20% of efforts should be applied to get 80% results.
Test early and often: Agile software development does not have a separate test phase. A software testing is done throughout the cycle. The purpose of doing so is to keep software in deliverable state. Regular test ensures that all features are working correctly, each time the build is produced.
A collaborative & cooperative approach between all stakeholders and team members is must. It keeps all of them on same page. They keep requirements and documentations light- weighted, as they know that change is normal and acceptable reality.
The way the software development services are handled and delivered in agile development methodology is slightly different. It relies more on project managers skills, communications, coordination, laying less stress on control and planning phase. Thus a reputed software development company may follow this invigorating approach to develop great software products.
