1. Software Engineering - Agile
Methodologies
Agile methodologies revolutionized the software development industry by shifting from traditional
approaches to a more flexible, client-centric framework. In this document, we will explore popular
Agile methodologies, their benefits, challenges, and limitations.
2. The Agile Manifesto and Principles
The Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto outlines four values and
twelve principles that prioritize the needs of
the customer, collaboration, and flexibility
over rigid processes and plans.
Twelve Principles
These principles offer guidance for
implementing Agile methodologies and
ensuring high-quality, customer-focused
software delivery.
3. Introduction to Agile Methodologies
Agile methodologies reject the traditional, cumbersome approach of software development in
favor of a flexible, iterative process.
They prioritize delivering software quickly while continuously improving the product based on user
feedback. Agile focuses on the customer's needs by breaking down development into small,
manageable components.
4. The Scrum Framework
Roles
Scrum consists of three
roles: the Product Owner, the
Scrum Master, and the
Development Team. Each
role has specific
responsibilities and
collaborates to deliver high-
quality software.
Sprints
Sprints are time-boxed
iterations of development,
typically lasting one to four
weeks. The Development
Team and the Product Owner
work together to deliver a
small, usable product in each
sprint.
The Daily Scrum
The Daily Scrum is a short,
daily meeting where the
Development Team
discusses progress and
identifies any impediments to
completing the sprint's goals.
5. Kanban Methodology
1 Visual Workflow
Kanban uses a visual
workflow to manage
work and track
progress. Each stage
of development is
represented by a
column on a board.
Work items move
through the columns
as they are completed.
2 Continuous
Delivery
Kanban emphasizes
continuous delivery by
limiting the number of
items in progress at
any given time,
reducing waste in the
development process.
3 Cycle Time
Cycle time is a key
metric in Kanban,
measuring the time it
takes for a work item
to move from start to
finish. Teams use
cycle time as a way to
continuously improve
their workflow and
reduce delivery time.
6. Extreme Programming (XP)
Key Principles Description
Continuous Integration Developers integrate new code into the
system frequently, preventing long, difficult
merges.
Test-Driven Development (TDD) Developers write automated tests before
writing new code, ensuring the code meets
requirements and specifications.
Pair Programming Two developers work together on the same
task, improving code quality and sharing
knowledge.
Small Releases Software is delivered in small, frequent
releases, allowing for more rapid feedback
from customers.
7. Benefits of Using Agile Methodologies
Adaptable to Change
Agile methodologies embrace change and
are designed to accommodate shifting
requirements and priorities.
Better Collaboration
Agile encourages collaboration between
developers, stakeholders, and customers,
resulting in a more customer-centric
product.
Increased Productivity
Agile methodologies prioritize delivering
working software quickly, leading to
increased efficiency and productivity.
Improved Quality
By delivering working code in small
iterations with automated testing, Agile
methodologies help ensure excellent
quality in the final product.
8. Challenges and Limitations of Agile
Methodologies
1
Challenge 1: Hybrid
Methodologies
Combining traditional and Agile
methodologies can cause
confusion and produce
suboptimal results.
2
Challenge 2: Scalability
Agile methodologies may need
to be modified when scaling to
large projects or large teams.
3
Limitation 1:
Resistance to Change
Not everyone may embrace the
switch to Agile methodologies
and may need to be trained in
new ways of thinking and
working.
4
Limitation 2: Complexity
Agile methodologies require
careful planning and execution,
and the development process
can be complex and
challenging.
