First, we must know what Agile is. Agile Software Development is a methodology based on an iterative work process where agreed rules and solutions are carried out in collaboration between each team in an organized and structured manner.
Agile development itself is a software development model in the short term. Then, it requires rapid adaptation in dealing with any changes.
The most important value of Agile development is that it enables a team to make decisions quickly, with good quality and predictions, and has good potential in handling any changes.
The Agile development process refers to concepts from the Agile Manifesto. The idea was developed by 14 well-known figures in the software industry. After getting to know what Agile is, enter into a discussion about the goals of Agile development.
Agile Purposes
Then, why was Agile created when there are already other software development methods? Broadly speaking, the goals of the Agile process are:
High-value and working App system: Software created works well, has high resale value, and low manufacturing costs.
Iterative, incremental, evolutionary: Software development is open to change. The team can work quickly on adding features according to customer needs.
Cost control & value-driven development: Software is developed according to user requirements with controlled development time and costs.
High-quality production: Software quality can be maintained by conducting thorough tests in each iteration.
Flexible & risk management: The software development process is prepared to face changes with good adaptability. So, it can minimize failure.
Collaboration: Maximize team collaboration because they meet regularly to discuss project developments.
Self-organizing, self-managing teams: Teams can manage themselves with support from the leadership so that a solid team is created.
Agile Moethodology Types
As said before, agile has several methods. Below is an explanation of each technique.
1. Scrum Methodology
The Scrum methodology is an agile method that is commonly used in projects that are quite large and complex. In Scrum, the term sprint is known as the duration of time used to work on software or complete one increment.
In one sprint, there is usually one feature that must be completed. The work process is also supported by various sprints such as sprint reviews, daily scrums, sprint retrospectives, and many more.
For Scrum to run as it should, several people are needed in the team.
Product owner: responsible for ensuring that all lists of products or features to be developed are well structured
Scrum master: responsible for ensuring that the entire team understands the Scrum process well and coordinates with the product owner regarding the product.
Development team: a group of people who are in charge of running projects, such as programmers, writers, UI designers, and many others.
2. Scaled Agile Framework
Next is the Scaled Agile Framework or (SAFe). This method is suitable for large companies or enterprises. Companies like this usually have multiple teams or divisions.
Therefore, inter-departmental cooperation is required. With SAFe, you can work together between divisions, one of which is by holding meetings every few weeks.
At the meeting, each team can show the results and explain future plans so that decisions can be made immediately.
3. Lean Software Development
The next agile method is Lean Software Development (LSD). This method is suitable for those who want to develop software with efficient resources.
The trick is creating features that are only really needed by users, commonly called MVP (Minimum Viable Product). In MVP, components are developed based on feedback from users.
If the user really needs the feature, it will be made, but if not, the resources can be used for something else.
4. Feature Driven Development
Feature Driven Development (FDD) is an agile method that focuses on completing one feature. The completion time itself ranges from 2-10 days.
Compared to Scrum, the FDD method has shorter iterations with a more specific scope. Examples include creating a login page, a search button, or something else.
Agile advantages
Here are some of the benefits of Agile that have made it implemented by teams around the world. Anything?
1. Better Software Quality
With Agile Methodology, you can quickly implement consumer feedback in the next iteration. Be it about adding features or fixing bugs. As a result, the quality of your software will improve because it is more in line with consumer desires.
2. Satisfied and More Appreciated Consumers
Software with good quality will be liked by consumers. Especially if the software features are by the wishes of consumers, thanks to the feedback provided. That way, they will feel more valued as consumers.
3. High Flexibility
The Agile method allows you to make regular changes according to customer feedback on the software you are working on. If there is a lot of feedback, you can choose what changes to make in each iteration. So, you can follow a plan from start to finish.
4. Fast Finish Software
The Agile method focuses on developing software that consumers really need. So, the software will be completed quickly because you only spend time adding a few features that consumers don’t necessarily need.
5. More Predictable Development
Each Agile Methodology has regular iterations that focus on incremental development. So, your software development will be more predictable, so you can know the various expenses well. In effect, business risk will be reduced.
Disadvantages of Agile
Of course, agile also has drawbacks that you need to know, as follows:
1. Unclear Final Product
Agile only requires a little planning, so your team will have difficulty deciding what the final software will look like. What’s more, new features are always being added and making your software more and more complex.
The effect is as long as consumer needs change, you will also find it increasingly difficult to determine the final form.
2. Relies on High Team Commitment
Agile requires all parties to interact regularly so that the software meets consumer needs. Starting from providing feedback, implementing changes, conducting tests, and so on. This, of course, requires high commitment from each individual, so it will drain your energy and time.
3. Incomplete Documentation
In agile, documentation is created quickly, leading to incomplete results. That is, when there is a new member in the team, he will need help understanding various things about the running project. As a result, there will be miscommunication which can speed up your project.