Wednesday 1 October 2014

Why Agile Can Be A Popular Software Development Framework?

Software products penetrate almost every aspect of human existence today. They manifest themselves in a multitude of manner, and remain omnipresent in a host of devices ranging from washing machines and smartphones to automobiles and computers. Owing to a consistent usage of different types of digital devices by people across the world, software applications and utilities have to evolve as and when consumer requirements change and “strive” to fulfil the new set of requirements demanded by end users. It is, therefore, essential to develop newer versions of existing software products more frequently, in the shortest time possible, and in a manner such that end users do not face any problems while using the products in the upcoming months. Stiff market competitions and an ever-increasing consumer “appetite” for feature-rich products have created a special need to implement a reliable and sustainable product development methodology, or a framework, which can aid in developing sophisticated software products in a relatively short time. Moreover, the methodology should also help in reducing the developmental overheads so investment returns can be increased. As on today, a reliable project development methodology is very much required to fulfil the business goals on a consistent basis, and earn large profits from the products manufactured by IT companies.

Over the decades, IT stalwarts have introduced many software development frameworks and project management methodologies. While many of these methodologies have proved to be useless and non-productive, a large number of them have been, in fact, successful in delivering the desired results – with varying levels of acceptance. With the passage of time, two software development frameworks have managed to dominate the field of software development. The frameworks are:

1. Waterfall
It is a traditional software development framework typically featuring “staged” development processes which have to be “carried out” one after the other. A unique aspect about this framework is that product development starts from the “topmost” stage and “flows” towards the “bottommost” stage. Once started, the product development cycle cannot reverse itself – it is unidirectional in nature. The framework is widely used, and is very popular amongst software development companies, primarily because the framework has “been around” for a long time and used by a large number of software developers and IT firms. It is easy to understand and use. Therefore, it is also used for teaching the software development process to engineering students. Even though it is a much sought after development framework, a large number of individuals and companies traditionally using Waterfall methods for developing their software products are now finding it increasingly difficult to meet the changing global software trends, and developing state-of-the-art applications and utilities, which are so much in vogue today.


2. Agile
A comparatively new “entrant” Agile has managed to find a special niche for itself in the IT development field over the years. The Agile framework was originally envisioned, and developed, to overcome the defects of traditional software project management methodologies and frameworks, which had failed to evolve “in the desired direction”, could not adapt themselves to the changing market trends, and offer reduced turnaround times. There are many reasons why “lightweight” Agile frameworks have become popular development platforms:

They support product development through “short bursts” of programming/development activity, generally lasting from two weeks up to one month. It is much easier to develop, test, and document smaller “pieces” of code, features, and functionality rather than entire projects. Individually developed features are later integrated to form the “complete” product. The frameworks primarily focus upon rapid delivery of “shippable” products and business value.
The client is actively involved with the team and the development process. Each feature is checked and “cleared” by the stakeholders before it is accepted as “Done”. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and enhanced user experience.
Potential pitfalls are identified well in advance, at a micro level, so it is much easier to control regression and reduce technical debt. Agile software projects generally help to earn good profit margins.
Agile frameworks support error detection and error correction processes. Technical errors are discovered early during the product development process, and dealt with effectively.
The frameworks provides an opportunity to carry out “retrospective” thinking, reflect in terms of where the project is heading, and what “more” could be done to improve the product development process.

Agile and the scope of software development
Individuals associated with the software industry generally prefer using the term “software development” Read more at Why Agile Can Be A Popular Software Development Framework?

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