Implementing Agile Methodology in Software Development: A Comprehensive Guide

In a rapidly changing environment of product development, organizations need to stay upbeat with new tools and innovation that meets the needs of end-users. The same stands for software development companies that need to come up with easy modules and processes for the complex nature of development. If your next software development is quite a complex project and needs to be result-oriented, adopting an agile development process is the best you can do.

Agile methodologies, the leading project management framework can help create software from scratch and streamline the entire process seamlessly.

But how does agile project management work, what are the steps involved in development and how has it transformed the software development process? All of these are covered in the article below.

What is Agile Software Development Methodology?              

Agile is an effective technique for developing software that accounts for the requirement for flexibility and incorporates pragmatism into the process of delivering the result. To implement agile methodology in software development, a company needs a cultural shift, as the focus is on the delivery of product parts, not the entire application.

Agile development emphasizes producing software quickly, communicating with clients often, and being flexible enough to accommodate changes. This approach is particularly helpful for complicated projects with ambiguous criteria. In other words, organizations can deliver valuable products having fewer complications. The piece-by-piece agile software delivery approach by the development team helps with proper evaluation and response in a timely manner.

Insight of Agile Principles and Values

To get into agile methodology, it is vital to learn about agile principles and values. The Agile Manifesto, which was launched in 2001, presents 4 major values and 12 principles that every software development team needs to follow-

4 Values of Agile Methods

1. Individuals and interactions at every step of the process- The major focus should be on the people completely involved with the software development project and fostering clear communication.
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation– Delivering functional software that values the customer.
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation- Process to build strong relationships with target clients or customers and involve them throughout the development process.
4. Responding to changes by following a plan- Agile embraces complete change in the development process and embracing required changes as priorities, then the plan.

What are the 12 Principles of Agile Software Development?

There are 12 principles of agile software development guiding teams to deliver quality products to the target customer-

1. Client Satisfaction: The very approach of the agile method is to follow early and continual delivery of useful software to the client.
2. Harnessing Change: Agile methods, at this late stage of software development, leverage change to improve customer happiness and boost their competitive edge.
3. Quick Delivery: Agile development cycle pushes the team to release the software in a period of two weeks to two months.
4. Encourages Cooperation: One way to get quick and upgraded products through agile is for developers and clients to work together and exchange input every day for the course of the project.
5. Support: This brings people into line with the project’s and the company’s overall vision.
6. Encourage face-to-face Communication: Vital information can be efficiently communicated through face-to-face communication through procedures like a brief daily scrum.
7. Ensuring Software Works Efficiently: Agile is trustworthy when the program functions without any errors. This is why developers do extensive testing before delivering the product.
8. Encourage Sustainable Development: Agile enables developers and users to all work together at a steady pace for extended periods of time.
9. Emphasis on Excellence: Priority is to work on excellent design and technical.
10. Streamline the Procedure: It maintains the process of developing software straightforward and uncomplicated.
11. Develops self-reliance in the Team: Self-organizing motivated teams find it simpler to produce the best designs and structures of the software.
12. Enough space for Improvement: The development team has the freedom to increase efficiency.

What are the Steps of Agile Development Process?

When it comes to agile development processes, there are certain steps to follow. Some of these are-

• Project Definition: The customer and the team work together to determine the project’s needs, goals, and objectives.
• Establish a Backlog: Backlog is a list of tasks in priority that needs to be completed in the first stage. The team, the product owner, and the client collaboratively create the backlog.
• Planning Sprint – Choosing the most important items from the backlog and estimate how much work can be finished in the next sprint to help the team plan the sprint.
• Run the Sprint: The team collaborates to list planned tasks for the sprint during daily meetings and assess progress.
• Review and Demo: At the conclusion of the sprint, the team presents the finished product to the client and solicits input.
• Repeat: Until the project is finished, the procedure is carried out once every sprint. Small portions of the product are provided to the customer upon gradual creation.
• Improve Continuously: A key component of agile approaches is ongoing improvement. For the upcoming sprint, the team will evaluate its performance and modify procedures, resources, and communication as needed.

What Benefits Agile Framework Can Have in Software Development?

When software development companies approach agile best practices, there are multiple benefits developers and clients can have. Some of the benefits are-

• Engagement and Satisfaction of Stakeholders

Using agile framework for software development can generate numerous possibilities that improve communication between the development team and stakeholders. The high degree of cooperation between the two makes it simpler for the team to comprehend the clients’ vision.

• Complete Transparency

The agile methodology typically fosters a high degree of engagement, which makes the project transparent from the beginning to the end. This requests input from the clients when necessary and keeps them informed about how the product operates.

• Emphasizes Users

Agile methods use user stories to specify the features of the product. It can provide the actual value of the product as per the user. Additionally, the group may handle project comments and make the necessary adjustments prior to the project’s launch.

• Enhances Caliber

Projects are divided into different units to guarantee that software quality rises, which makes it simpler for the team to concentrate on excellent development and teamwork. Moreover, the development team identifies software flaws and inconsistencies, enhancing the program’s overall quality.

How Lucenta helps in Agile Software Development?

Agile is a cutting-edge and fascinating method for software development. All parties involved typically have a satisfying and well-rounded experience since developers and customers are involved in the conception and implementation of the project.

Businesses adopting Agile transformation strategies will benefit from Lucenta’s agile software delivery process. Our in-depth understanding of software development and Agile approaches enables businesses to successfully adopt our Agile practices. Right from integrating QA planning, to estimating, and metrics into their sprints, Lucenta solutions has been a forward for companies new to agile development process.