Agile software development as a development methodology.
In this article you will learn what agile software development is and how it encompasses the entire product lifecycle, based on the principles of the Agile Manifesto, to create high-quality, more cost-effective and successful solutions, aligned with business objectives and with the constant collaboration of the product owner.
Let’s begin with a brief overview of the evolution of project management methodologies in technology…
During the 1980s and 1990s, a structured methodology for software development and implementation emerged, known as the waterfall model. According to this approach, all software projects were managed following five basic steps:
- Requirements.
- Design.
- Implementation.
- Analysis.
- Maintenance.
However, with technological evolution and innovation, the model became obsolete, giving way to agile practices and methodologies, which allow solutions to be adapted to customer needs and the development process to be continuously improved. Thus, the ability to adapt to market requirements is much greater.
Agile software development focused on quality and results
Software development using an agile methodology allows for the efficient management of the entire product lifecycle, from initial planning to final delivery. Based on the values and principles of the Agile Manifesto, this approach promotes constant collaboration between the development team and the product owner, ensuring decisions are aligned with real business objectives.
Through practices like Scrum and Kanban, agile development prioritizes high quality in every iteration, facilitating continuous value delivery, early error detection, and rapid adaptation to change. This model not only improves technical efficiency but also drives the creation of more profitable, scalable, and sustainable products over time.
What is agile software development?
Unlike the waterfall model, which involves completing one process before moving on to the next, thus accelerating the work, agile software development works iteratively, covering the entire product lifecycle. Agile software development is based on six fundamental steps that cover the entire program lifecycle. These are:
- Planning.
- Requirements study.
- Design.
- Coding.
- Evaluation.
- Documentation.
This methodology relies on collaboration among development teams and constant communication between team members through face-to-face conversation, one of the most valued practices of the Agile Manifesto.
Furthermore, it focuses on delivering functional software and fostering a sustainable development pace that allows productivity to be maintained without sacrificing quality.
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. It also relies on frameworks such as Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Kanban, or Dynamic Systems Development (DSDM), which promote collaboration and continuous value. 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 agile approaches depending on the type of projects, at EtyaLab we mainly use Scrum, as it allows us to organize work visually using a Kanban board, maintain continuous communication, and ensure the progressive delivery of functional software.
We apply the Scrum methodology along with other agile practices to optimize project management and ensure high-value results. Each iteration is designed to strengthen team collaboration and maintain a transparent and adaptable development process.
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, based on agile methods such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP), integrates processes and tools that cover all aspects of the software life cycle, including quality control, documentation, and continuous delivery. This approach allows an organized team of software developers and a multidisciplinary development team to work collaboratively with the product owner, ensuring high-quality solutions aligned with business objectives. Among its main advantages are greater trust and commitment from stakeholders, more effective communication, early detection of errors, improved team dynamics, and a shorter time to market. The goal is to optimize team efficiency, benefiting the client by saving time and costs, and achieving successful project 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.
