Basics of Agile
1. What is Agile?
Agile is a project management and software development approach that focuses on iterative development, collaboration, and customer feedback. Instead of delivering a product all at once, Agile delivers small, working pieces of a product incrementally.
🚀 In simple terms: Agile is about breaking down work into small tasks, working in short cycles, and constantly improving based on feedback.
2. Key Principles of Agile (Based on Agile Manifesto)
Principle
Explanation
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Work closely with customers to understand and deliver what they need.
Responding to change over following a plan
Be flexible and adapt to changes.
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Focus on delivering working products quickly.
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
People and communication are more important than rigid processes.
3. Agile Methodologies
Methodology
Description
Scrum
Framework using fixed-length sprints (2-4 weeks) to deliver increments of work.
Kanban
Visual workflow management, focusing on continuous delivery.
Extreme Programming (XP)
Focus on technical excellence, including practices like pair programming and test-driven development.
Lean
Focus on value creation and eliminating waste.
4. Agile Roles
Role
Responsibility
Product Owner
Defines product vision and manages the product backlog.
Scrum Master
Facilitates the Agile process and removes obstacles.
Development Team
Builds the product incrementally.
Business Analyst (BA)
Gathers requirements, ensures clarity, supports Product Owner, and helps define user stories.
5. Agile Ceremonies (Meetings)
Ceremony
Purpose
Sprint Planning
Plan work for the upcoming sprint.
Daily Stand-up (Daily Scrum)
Short daily meeting to discuss progress and blockers.
Sprint Review
Demonstrate completed work to stakeholders.
Sprint Retrospective
Reflect on what went well and what can improve.
6. Agile Artifacts
Artifact
Purpose
Product Backlog
Prioritized list of work to be done (features, fixes).
Sprint Backlog
Tasks committed for the current sprint.
Increment
Working product delivered at the end of a sprint.
User Stories
Short descriptions of a feature from a user's perspective.
7. User Story Example (Format)
As a [type of user], I want [some goal], so that [reason/benefit].
📌 Example: "As a customer, I want to receive email notifications when my order ships, so that I can track my purchase."
8. Agile Process Flow (Simplified)
9. Benefits of Agile
Benefit
Why It Matters
Faster Delivery of Value
Deliver working software in short cycles.
Improved Customer Satisfaction
Involve customers regularly and adapt to feedback.
Better Quality
Continuous testing and integration.
Increased Flexibility
Respond to changing requirements easily.
Enhanced Collaboration
Regular communication within teams and stakeholders.
10. Challenges of Agile
Challenge
Consideration
Requires Cultural Change
Teams must embrace collaboration and flexibility.
Needs Strong Team Commitment
Regular involvement and communication are key.
Difficult for Fixed-Price Contracts
Agile is iterative and may not fit strict contracts.
✅ Summary Table
Aspect
Details
Definition
Iterative approach to project management and development.
Core Principle
Adaptability, collaboration, and customer focus.
Key Roles
Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team, BA.
Common Methods
Scrum, Kanban, XP, Lean.
Benefits
Faster delivery, flexibility, improved quality.
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