Agile development is a modern approach to software development and differs from many traditional development models. In this article, we introduce the characteristics typical of Agile development and related terms.
Characteristics of Agile Development
Agile development is a software development approach that has become widespread and gained broad popularity since the early 2000s. Agile development requires close collaboration between both the supplier and the customer, differing from traditional development models such as the waterfall model, where work was done more in isolation.
Agile development is a dynamic and flexible approach to software development. It aims to respond quickly and efficiently to the changing needs and requirements of the customer as the software development project progresses.
Benefits of Agile Development for the Customer
Agile development offers numerous benefits for the customer. The goal of all Agile development is to quickly produce a ready or demonstrable product for the customer, so they can assess whether it meets their needs and expectations. The advantages of Agile development are especially emphasized in rapidly changing business environments, which require flexibility and responsiveness from the software project, and in projects where the customer's needs are not clear or defined at the beginning but become clearer as the project progresses.
The core idea of Agile development is close collaboration between the customer and the development team, which means smooth communication, openness, mutual understanding, and trust in the development work. The customer continuously receives information about the progress of the development work, and any challenges related to the project are addressed together to find the best solution.
In Agile development, continuous testing and evaluation ensure that errors are detected and corrected as early as possible. The active participation of both parties in the different phases of the project ensures that the final product meets the customer's needs and expectations as well as possible. At the same time, it also speeds up delivery schedules, improves results, and ensures a cost-effective project.
Key Terms in Agile Development
In Agile development projects, established terms are used in communication. Below, we have listed some of the key terms that help understand the principles and processes of Agile development.
- Agile:
A software development approach whose principles and methods emphasize flexibility, teamwork, and the customer's continuous involvement in the project.
- SCRUM:
One of the most popular Agile development methods. In the SCRUM method, a large project consists of smaller development cycles (sprints), during which the development team works on agreed project parts.
- Sprint:
A short development cycle in the SCRUM method, typically lasting 2-4 weeks. An entire Agile development process consists of several sprints.
- Sprint Planning::
Sprint planning is a meeting where the development team and the product owner plan the tasks for the upcoming sprint. The goal is to select and define the tasks that the team intends to complete during the sprint.
- Product Owner:
A role responsible for defining the product vision, prioritizing the backlog (development/task list), and ensuring the development team understands the customer's needs. Typically, the product owner is from the customer.
- Development Team:
A team of software development professionals who create the finished product for the customer according to the defined development list.
- Scrum Master:
A facilitator for the development team, who helps with planning, supports the team's self-directed work, removes obstacles to development work, and ensures the SCRUM method is followed in practice.
- Sprint Review:
At the end of the sprint, the development team presents what has been achieved. Usually, the goal of the sprint review is to show a ready product or openly present the outputs in some other way.
- Retro (Retrospective):):
A meeting held after the sprint review, where the customer typically reviews the past sprint's outputs and activities to learn and make process improvements for future cycles.
- Daily Stand-up:
A short (e.g., 15 minutes) daily meeting where team members update each other on their progress and any obstacles in their work.
Requirements for the Customer in Agile Development
To ensure the final result meets the needs and expectations, the customer must be in close collaboration with the development team throughout the development project. Below, we list some aspects that Agile development requires for the customer's active participation and commitment. When the customer is willing to commit to these practices, Agile development offers opportunities for better collaboration, greater transparency, and ultimately a more satisfying outcome.
- Active Participation:
The customer is expected to regularly participate in project development meetings, such as sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives, to provide feedback and guidance to the development team in real-time.
- Continuous Communication:
Effective and open communication with the development team is essential. The customer must be ready to discuss requirements, priorities, and possible changes as the project progresses.
- Flexibility:
Agile development requires readiness to adapt to changing situations and needs. This can mean changes in the customer's requirements, schedule, or budget during the project.
- Quick Decision-Making:
The customer must be able to make quick decisions when the development team needs guidance or approval to continue their work efficiently.
- Prioritization Skills:
The customer must be able to prioritize the project's features and tasks to ensure that the most important and valuable parts are implemented first.
- Understanding of Agile Processes:
While deep technical knowledge is not required, a basic understanding of Agile methods and their principles helps the customer comprehend how the project progresses and how they can best support its success.
- Commitment of Resources:
The customer must ensure they have enough time and resources to participate in the Agile development process. This means, for example, scheduling time for meetings, providing feedback, or delivering the necessary information to the team.
- Willingness to Learn and Adapt:
The customer must be open to learning new things and adapting to new insights and market changes during the project.
Summary
The core of Agile development is the idea that software development is a process that requires continuous adaptation and learning. This approach allows software teams to quickly respond to changing customer needs, which not only increases project predictability and transparency but also ultimately improves product quality and customer satisfaction.
At Citrus Solutions, Agile development is more than just a software development method; it is a way of thinking and operating. Agile development promotes flexibility, efficiency, and collaboration in all project aspects, making it an excellent choice for organizations that want to stay competitive and innovative in the rapidly changing technology world.
