Introduction
In this part of series on Agile Fundamentals, we’ll talk more about the definition of Agile and how Agile emerged. Basically we will discuss about Agile’s origins and its impact
Emergence of Agile
Back in the day, many software companies found it challenging to create software that truly met the needs of businesses. They used a method called the waterfall approach. In the waterfall approach, work happened step by step, and you can’t move to the next step until the previous one is completely finished. Because of its strict linear process, there were many issues. Projects often ended up costing more than planned, they took longer than expected, and the worst part was sometimes after all that effort and time, the software they produced wasn’t what the users were looking for.
This caused frustration for both the companies making the software and the businesses that were using it. They needed a better way to match the software to the users’ real needs and to adapt to changes more quickly. That was the time for the emergence of Agile.
Development of Agile
Well, Agile was not born overnight; it was the culmination of various lightweight software development methods introduced in the 1990s. However, the real momentum for Agile began in the early 2000s when a few forward-thinking software developers convened to discuss the prevalent challenges in the industry. These discussions gave birth to the Agile Manifesto.
This Agile Manifesto wasn’t just a set of rules or a new methodology that should be followed; it was a philosophy. It was more of a thinking approach. It centered on four key values and 12 principles that prioritized individuals and interactions over processes, working products over exhaustive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiations, and responding to change over following a rigid plan.
Impact of the Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto is like a guidebook that tells teams to take time to think about their work, always listen to what the customers are saying, and be ready to make changes when needed. There are different ways to follow this guide, and two of the popular methods are Scrum and Kanban. These methods help teams work together and make changes smoothly, especially when they get new information or when needs change. By doing this, teams can make sure that the software or the product they are creating matches what the users really need, plus they can get it out for the people to use more quickly than traditional methods.
Expansion of Agile Methods
Over the past 20 years, Agile methods, which started in software development, have become popular in many different fields. This includes sectors like marketing, where strategies and campaigns are planned; manufacturing, where physical products are made; finance, which deals with money management and investments; and even education, where teaching methods and curriculum designs are considered.
What’s making Agile so popular across the diverse fields? The core ideas behind Agile focus on teamwork and being flexible instead of sticking rigidly to a plan. Businesses using Agile are open to making changes based on new information or feedback. This helps teams react quickly to any changes in the market or customer needs. As a result, these businesses often see several benefits.
Benefits of Agile
Agile can get things done more efficiently, which means saving time and resources. Their customers tend to be happier because they get the products or services that match their needs. Plus, the people working in these businesses often feel more involved and satisfied with their work as Agile methods encourage active participation and value every team member’s input.
So, that’s all for this part, stay tuned for next tutorial on this series on Agile Fundamentals.