Agile methodology: the key to achieving sustainable software development

Today, all software development companies want to streamline their processes to make them faster and more efficient. This, in order to optimize the results and achieve the goals as soon as possible. And thanks to the agile methodology, it is possible to do so.

What is agile methodology?

This methodology is used for the development of high performance projects. This is the case with software development projects. She is focused on implementing flexible and efficient workflows for teams. In addition, it is supported by the ability to always choose the best option for each phase of the project.

It is evident that the software development process is very complex and it is necessary to take care of many details. However, it is possible to streamline this through agile software development. This is, without a doubt, one of the most efficient ways to manage projects to achieve the expected results in the shortest possible time.

What are its advantages?

This methodology works because it implements a collaborative effort shared by the entire development team. In this way, the greatest benefit is to meet the specific characteristics and deadlines that are necessary to achieve the objectives of the project.

Another advantage is that the team can focus on developing specific requirements through good communication. In addition, the creation of small working groups promotes collaboration between the company and users.

Within the agile methodology are contained other different methods and practices that are oriented to software development. The advantage of being able to use other methods is that it is possible to create any project from scratch and develop it in stages until it comes to fruition.

Values and principles of the Agile Methodology

This methodology was born through a manifesto. In this document, the promoters who created it implemented a series of values and principles to ensure its efficient operation.

The 4 values of the methodology

It is characterized by promulgating 4 essential values:

1. Individuals and human interactions are more important than tools and processes.
2. Functional software takes precedence over creating documentation.
3. Collaboration with the client has a higher priority than negotiating the terms of the contract.
4. We must respond to the need for change instead of continuing to stick to fixed plans.

The 12 principles of the methodology

Just as it has 4 fundamental values that mark the guidelines of conduct of the work team, it also has 12 principles that govern it.

1. Satisfy the customer with continuous software delivery. It is taken into account that the software is not intended to meet the needs of the company, but those of the end customer. Thus, the distance to collect customer feedback and the requirements that he wants to see satisfied is shortened.
2. Be open to change. Agile processes allow you to make changes without waiting to redesign the entire project or work plan. It is even possible to make major changes and modifications. In fact, change is leveraged as a competitive advantage to satisfy the customer.
3. Deliver functional software in a short period of time. Agile management involves shortening the times between the planning and customer delivery phases. The secret to this is to focus more on creating the software than on planning. Thus, the efficiency of the work delivered to the client is improved.
4. Developer and management teams must work together. This is a fundamental principle. Sharing information is the best way to manage projects. This close collaboration helps to better manage projects.
5. Keep the team motivated. An efficient way to keep teams motivated is for them to be self-directed and self-sufficient. The company must be responsible for selecting the right people for each team so that it is feasible to trust them with the required work. In addition, you must ensure that you will provide them with all the support and that you will facilitate an adequate working environment.
6. In-person interaction. The most effective mode of communication is face-to-face. It facilitates communication and shortens response times. If it’s remote work, doing it at the same times and using shared tools is the best way for a team to interact.
7. The progress measurement is functional software. A project should be judged, primarily, by that metric. The software should always work properly. Otherwise, the number of errors fixed, the working hours invested, or all the information collected is irrelevant.
8. Sustainable development must be promoted. Work should be done in short, productive periods of time, to avoid equipment exhaustion. The right pace for each team must be promoted.
9. Technical excellence and good design. Constant attention to these points improves agility. Tools and techniques associated with SW engineering can be used to improve the code.
10. Keep it simple. This minimizes the time between understanding what needs to be done and completing tasks. Avoid tasks that have no relevance.
11. Promote team self-management. When each team takes responsibility for its own organization, the agile methodology is optimized.
12. Inspect and adapt. Another fundamental principle of the methodology. Each team should reflect on its own processes to determine how it can become more effective.

How to accelerate software development with the Agile Methodology?

Always remember that this approach may involve other methods. Therefore, developers have complete freedom to choose the methods that best fit what is needed. By applying them, processes are optimized.

Its operation requires the constant flow of comments and exchanges of information between team members. To do this, projects are run in short phases so that only a few updates are covered in each phase. Thus, constant improvements can be achieved and high levels of quality can be achieved.

Along with the Scrum framework, all teams work as a unit in decision-making. The strategies are flexible and the teams are able to meet the requirements in the shortest possible time.

The agile methodology makes the processes of each phase of the project more efficient and simpler, speeds up deliveries and optimizes the final product.

Agile frameworks

The Agile methodology provides several frameworks through which to practically apply all its values and principles. Depending on the context, objectives and equipment, one or the other can be used as needed. The most used frameworks are Scrum, Kanban and XP (extreme programming).

• Scrum: oriented to product development with a stable and multidisciplinary team.
• Kanban: method of visualization of work oriented for teams with high variability of work (incidental or small evolutionary).
• XP: framework oriented to SW teams that should focus on getting a product or project out as soon as possible (Start-ups or proofs of concept).