Agile is one of the most widely used and recognized software development frameworks throughout the whole world. It is a time-bound, interactive approach towards software delivery wherein it builds software incrementally from the start of the project instead of delivering it all at once.
Every technology organization seems to practice the agile methodology for the software development version. So, whether you are new to agile or learned software development decades ago with the waterfall software development methodology, today, your work is influenced by the agile methods. Moreover, even by adopting the agile methodology, the gig economy is gaining momentum, especially during these pandemic times.
So What is Agile?
Agile is a collection of principles used in software development and project management. In today’s world, where most companies are software companies and competitive in today’s marketplace, companies need to deliver products and services faster and better than their competitors. An agile environment allows them to respond to the demand and pivot when required for this to happen.
With the help of Agile, teams can deliver work in small, workable increments, whereby they can provide value to their customers with ease. Here an evaluation of the requirements, plans, and results takes place continuously, thus helping the team respond quickly to the changes.
Key Agile Methodologies
Agile is like an umbrella term for many methods and practices. Some of the popular methodologies are :
- Scrum
This is one of the most popular lightweight, agile frameworks that project managers can use for controlling all types of iterative and incremental projects. Scrum is executed by small teams of 7-9 members, including a Scrum Master and a Product Owner.
In this, projects are divided into cycles called Sprints, wherein it represents a timebox within which a set of features must be developed. The Scrum method breaks the long waterfall process delivery into smaller cycles, enabling the product teams and end-customers to frequently review working software, thereby ensuring that it meets the business requirements.
- Extreme Programming (XP)
This agile methodology mainly focuses on increasing interpersonal relationships as the key to success in software development. It also focuses on promoting teamwork, caring for developers’ learning, and developing a good work environment. Here developers will be working in pairs, where one will be programming, and the other will be observing, and they switch these roles regularly throughout the Sprint.
XP promotes continuous feedback between development teams and clients. It is especially suitable for projects with high technical risks and those with highly changing requirements.
- Kanban
The Kanban method is mainly used to design, manage, and improve the flow of systems. This is a visual system that controls the work as it moves through a process. Similar to Scrum, Kanban helps the teams work effectively and promotes self-management and collaborative teams.
This is mainly used when work arrives unpredictably and needs to be deployed immediately without waiting for the other work items.
- Lean
Lean software development is an iteration methodology that focuses on giving customers the efficient value stream mechanism that delivers the value of the project. In this, the process gets divided into value-adding activity, non-value-adding activity, and essential non-value-adding activity.
Any activity that comes under non-value-adding activity is considered waste, which needs to be removed to make the process leaner. In turn, a leaner process means faster delivery, optimizing every step in the software development cycle.
Benefits of Agile Certification
- With the emerging technologies on the rise, hiring managers are also looking for those with an Agile certification to hire for the open positions; thereby, it provides you with better career advancement.
- Becoming a certified Agile professional improves an employee’s credibility in the eyes of the hiring manager.
- Agile certification is like proof that shows the employee’s expertise and knowledge of operating the Agile methods and techniques.
- Agile certification enables professionals to increase their knowledge and expertise, making them flexible and advance with the changing environments.
- Entrepreneurs who are certified in Agile have the necessary skills required to run a business successfully.
Step into Agile with Techmindz
Think you need more skilling up to do? There are a variety of different models and development methodologies in the Agile software development phase. Techmindz‘s learning and mentoring platform enable you to get your dream job in today’s tech world even if you lack a tech background.
