What is Agile?

In 2001 with the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, that Agile software development was first introduced and made popular. This very straightforward document, put together by a group of developers in Utah, broke the conventions and limitations of software development, providing a real alternative to the Waterfall method.

In contrast to the Waterfall method, Agile software development is based on an iterative, incremental approach. Agile offers a more free and fluid approach with the ability to perform changes and iterations as they are needed. Requirements can change at almost any phase of the project and so, not as much planning is required before beginning a project.

Instead of creating tasks and schedules, all time is split into phases called “sprints.” Each sprint has a defined duration (usually 2 weeks) with a list of deliverables, planned at the start of the sprint. Deliverables are prioritized by business value as determined by the customer. If all planned work for the sprint cannot be completed, work is reprioritized and the information is used for future sprint planning.

Agile requires constant feedback from its users in order to adapt the changing requirements. Development teams are organised into cross-functional units which work on iterations over time, with the goal of each iteration to produce a working product.