The Agile methodology can help a company become more focused and productive. Their cross-functional nature allows requirements and products to evolve.

Agile Methodologies

Agile development helps teams minimize risk (bugs, cost overruns, and changing requirements) when adding new functionality. Iterations are created by using agile methods, with small increments of functionality added in each iteration. Scrum, crystal, extreme programming (XP), and feature-driven development (FDD) are all forms of agile development.

How Agile Methodologies Work

Agile development involves an incremental model that fosters teamwork, planning, and learning while also ensuring continuous evolution. By respecting the phases of software development - planning, execution, and final delivery - agile methodologies can allow the software to be developed in stages, which makes it easier to identify and correct bugs.

By using Agile methodologies, not only is software delivered faster but also value is continuously delivered to customers since delivery can be incremental. Many methodologies are based on the Agile philosophy. The following are our top agile software methodologies:

Scrum

One of the many Agile frameworks, Scrum is without a doubt the most commonly used. The Scrum framework is based on sprints or cycles of development for software products. It is generally used in software project management, but can also be used for business purposes. Every day, 15-minute scrum meetings take place to synchronize activities and plan workdays.

Kanban

Kanban, which means "just-in-time", is of Japanese origin. Every step of the software production flow is shown on a Kanban board or table (Kanban board). Information in the table changes as the development progresses, and when new tasks come into play, a new "card" is created. Team members must communicate and be transparent regarding project status so that they know exactly where a project is at any given time.

Extreme Programming (XP)

Extreme Programming (or XP) is another Agile framework that uses best practices in software development to produce higher quality code. XP allows frequent releases based on short development sprints and encourages changes when necessary.

A central value of XP is simplicity (build what's needed, nothing more); communication (cooperative working between teams on every piece of the software); consistent feedback; and respect.

User stories - or informal descriptions of features - are important for developers to understand when using Extreme Programming. Schedules and iterations are also important practices. Fault-free software is simpler, tests often, and is designed with simplicity in mind. Listen to feedback to get a better sense of how it works, and then test more.

Lean

A Lean workflow methodology encompasses a mindset and a set of practices found in manufacturing and applying them broadly in a variety of industry sectors, including software development. However, Agile does not guide scaling the practice across organizations or using it outside of development-type work.

Technically, agile teams often innovate at scale by incorporating Lean philosophies, practices, and tools. By using the principles of lean -- optimization, waste elimination, building in quality, creating knowledge, deferring commitment, delivering fast, and respecting people --organizations can unearth potential issues and keep a healthy workplace culture.

When using Lean thinking and Agile software development practices together, a culture of innovation can be created in the organization as a whole that benefits both the development team and the system.

Crystal

Crystal Red is adopted by teams with 50 to 1000 people. It can also be used by crystal yellow teams, crystal orange teams, or crystal red teams. Crystal offers a process that focuses on People, Interactions, Communities, Skills, Talent, and Communication. Interaction and symbiosis are key to bringing efficiency to these processes, which means that the people managing the projects should work together.

The founder of Crystal describes it as an implementation framework that works with the power invested by people, and which is extremely light and flexible. The talent and collaboration between team members can bring benefits for the whole project, according to Cockburn.

Protect your business
lastly, take the steps necessary to ensure your business isn't liable for software when using these agile software development methodologies. A software failure that causes a client to lose money could lead to a lawsuit and compensation. Therefore, with the implementation of any of the above methodologies, you can be sure your business is on the right track.