Agile Methodology And Its Characteristics Pertaining To Software Development

Agile – What is it?

Agile is a methodology based on the iterative model of software development. This methodology is prone to change over the period of time constantly engaging with end users for their feedback and updates. The main goal of agile methodology is culmination of cross function iterations to produce a working model of the software.

The leadership in agile methodology promotes the teamwork, proper communication and accountability to the developers. The main focus remains amalgamation of business ideas and developer expertise to create a product achieving the company goals and expectation of the customers.

Major Principles of Agile Methodology

1. The idea is to swiftly fabricate a valuable software for customer satisfaction 
2. Open structure for changes that can be made last minute to give the client a competitive edge over its competition. 
3. The turnaround time for product delivery is very short. Effective software is built in very less time. 
4. Simplicity is the key. Complex structures are generally not encouraged. 
5. There is a constant focus on technical excellence and design quality to increase the dexterity of the software. 
6. A proper software in its working stage is the actual count of development 
7. Team should be motivated to work as a cohesive unit to deliver a working product 
8. Regular review of the progress made, in depth analysis to keep the work on its correct path.

Advantages of Agile Methodology

Agile methodology has come across a great transition from being light software approach following the rigid waterfall methodology to free flowing flexible technology it is today.

Here we have listed the primary advantages of this methodology:

1. Change is the only constant: With flexible and open ended approach, it has become rather easy to accommodate changes during the tenure of development 
2. The end goal is not clearly defined. The end goal gets prominence as and when the project progress 
3. Quicker and better deliverables: The ideology works on the synergies of iterations that permits the team focus on more precise and high quality production, control and testing. 
4. Great interdepartmental communication: The agile methodology promotes healthy and continuous communication between the working teams. Individual team members take up responsibility to own up and deliver 
5. Client feedback is taken. Clients are heard and their inputs and feedbacks are considered and implemented in the work process.

Disadvantages of Agile

1. The planning should be consolidated: Owing to the fluid structure of the Agilemethodology it sometime becomes difficult to make a concrete plan. Hence product delivery within the stipulated time line may not be possible. 
2. Team should be highly efficient, as agile teams work with a small manpower so they have to be highly skilled in their job 
3. Less priority is given to documentation: The agile teams prefer working on developing software rather than keeping a document trail. It is always suggested to find the right balance of documentation and discussion. 
4. Impact on the final product: The flexibility of agile may lead to a compromise on the desired quality of product.

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