Have you heard of the term agile software development? Not sure what it means? No problem. Today, the experts at Syndeo Communications, at IT consulting company in San Diego, are going to explain what agile software development is and what it means for businesses.
Agile software development is a philosophy and set of methods for creating software. In 2001, 17 individuals attending a Utah conference came together to create this set of principles, guidelines and practices, which can be used on any software development program. The manifesto created included 12 guiding principles, which have now been translated into numerous languages for use on projects all over the world.
Values
The core values of Agile software development are:
- Putting the needs of humans over the demands of machines
- Creating programs that work
- Making the client a participant in the development process
- Being prepared to change direction at any point in a project
Principles
Agile software development has 12 guiding principles which extend from the core values. In short, these principles stress teamwork, collaboration, adaptation and flexibility, fast response and feedback. Agile software development was in part a reaction to traditional, heavy-handed methods of developing software where rigid plans were followed and the customer was not seen as a collaborator.
Use in the Business Environment
Agile software development has a history of success. However, when not implemented properly there can be problems. For example, Agile software development promotes programmers working together in pairs, with one person writing code and the other reviewing it with frequent role changes. When the pair is mismatched, productivity can be lost.
Agile software is a way of looking at the life cycle of any software development project and something that is well worth investigating if your business wants to improve how it is developing software or contracting out development. For more information, visit our website at www.syndeocomm.com or reach out to us directly for a free consultation at 760-650-3300.