Agile software development as a development methodology.
In this article you will learn what it is, and how agile software development leads to more profitable and successful products.
Let’s start with a brief review of the evolution of technology methodologies…
In the 80s and 90s, a structured methodology for software development and implementation was born, which received the name of “waterfall model”. According to him, all projects were managed according to five basic steps:
- Requirements.
- Design.
- Implementation.
- Analysis.
- Maintenance.
However, with the evolution and technological innovation, the model became obsolete, opting for the agile software methodology. A methodology that allows us to adapt the solutions to the needs, and not the other way around. In this way, the capacity to adapt to the requirements of the market is greater.
What is agile software development?
Unlike the waterfall model, which involves finishing one process before continuing with the next, speeding up the work, thus reducing quality with the objective of meeting established deadlines; the agile software development is based on six fundamental steps, covering the entire program life cycle. These are:
- Planning.
- Requirements study.
- Design.
- Coding.
- Evaluation.
- Documentation.
This methodology works on several elements in parallel. Therefore, teamwork is fundamental, since the members of the team have the possibility of gradually validating and checking small elements of the project before the final delivery, thus guaranteeing maximum quality and the best results.
Essential principles of agile development
The agile methodology helps to have a vision of the project and for this, it is based on 12 fundamental principles that pursue customer satisfaction. The division of labor into productive time phases and the measurement of progress. Also the coordination of work, using the Scrum method and the adaptation of circumstances, among other aspects. To understand them, we have summarized them in 4 fundamental pillars:
- Valuing people over tools and processes.
- Direct collaboration with the client, to maintain a more participative relationship.
- Functional prioritization of the product, avoiding excessive documentation.
- Respond quickly and effectively to unforeseen events and changes that may occur.
Thus, agile software development relies on early delivery, delivering working programs as early as two weeks. In addition, it responds precisely to changing market and customer requirements. The main factor in evaluating its performance is the operation of the software.
Why does EtyaLab mainly use Scrum?
Although there are different methodologies, such as Kanban, Test-Driven Development, among others; at EtyaLab we mainly use Scrum, since it is developed with short iterations, always oriented to what the customer really needs, with value solutions...
We apply the Scrum methodology to a set of best practices for working collaboratively as a team. In this way we obtain the best possible result from a project. In addition, this methodology helps to solve inefficiencies, as it ensures that the customer is delivered what he needs without cost overruns and with the best quality.
Proof of this has been our success stories, where we have provided the ideal solution for each need, in favorable times and costs.
Conclusions
Agile software development, primarily the Scrum methodology, encompasses all aspects of software development, including quality assurance and documentation. The advantages of this approach are: increased stakeholder trust and commitment, better communication, earlier detection of errors, improved team dynamics, better roles for team members, increased agility and reduced time to market. The objective is to enable the team to optimize its efficiency, benefiting the customer in time and cost savings and fully achieving the objectives.
Now that you know how agile methodologies can help your company or project, you can request a free consultation, and move to the next step in productivity and growth, maximizing your return on investment:
Agile software development services, we offer advanced technology and quick response to customer needs.
