According to the State of Agile Report 2020, a majority of respondents (95%), consisting of over 40,000 individuals, strongly prefer the Agile Development methodology. The success of Agile can be attributed to three core pillars; an incremental approach, the promotion of functional teams throughout the organization, and a collaborative focus on achieving shared objectives.
At the heart of Agile lies the software development approach, where application development is divided into manageable increments. Unlike big bang” releases, Agile delivers value to users incrementally. Each iteration, known as a sprint, contributes a component to the application. This iterative process allows teams to incorporate feedback and adjust accordingly to ensure adaptability.
In this article, we will look into the agile role in application development, its frameworks and explore its seamless integration into mobile app development.
Frameworks for Agile Methodology
In order to meet the requirements and preferences of agile projects, frameworks within the Agile methodology are needed. Here are four popular frameworks used by Agile teams for different projects:
- Scrum: Scrum stands as one of the adopted Agile methodologies. It employs time-boxed iterations called sprints that last between two to four weeks. Teamwork and quality improvement are important components of Scrum. For instance, Daily stand-up meetings are part of Scrum that fosters communication and collaborative problem-solving among team members.
- Kanban: Kanban, on the other hand, is a framework that focuses on visualizing workflow through a Kanban board. Work-in-progress (WIP) constraints can be managed, and tasks can be optimized. Kanban is particularly suitable for teams with steady work streams as it emphasizes delivery and flow efficiency.
- Extreme Programming (XP): Extreme Programming meanwhile prioritizes enhancing the software development process to deliver high-quality applications. It emphasizes practices such as pair programming, continuous integration, test-driven development (TDD), and collective code ownership. By embracing XP principles, teams aim to achieve consistency and adaptability in response to evolving client or consumer requirements.
- Adaptive Project Framework (APF): The Adaptive Project Framework (APF) has been specifically designed to handle projects that involve uncertainty and constantly changing requirements. As projects unfold, APF allows teams to gain knowledge through analyzing outcomes. Projects anticipating changes during development phases are especially well suited to this framework.
Agile in Mobile Application Development
Due to the characteristics of mobile apps, Agile methodologies seem to be more advantageous when it comes to mobile application development. Unlike desktop applications, mobile apps require adaptability in order to meet ever-changing user needs. Here are some of the benefits of using Agile in Mobile App Development:
Real-Time Planning
The real-time planning approach in Agile allows teams to create plans for each sprint, addressing any issues that may arise after implementing features. This iterative planning ensures that each sprint adds value to the application and aligns with the project vision. The adaptability of Agile enables teams to respond to information and emerging challenges.
Transparent Collaboration
Agile methodology emphasizes transparency and customer involvement throughout the development process. Regular communication with stakeholders ensures transparency keeping the development team aligned with customer expectations. This open collaboration also enables teams to incorporate customer feedback and adjust project priorities accordingly.
Risk Management
In Agile methodology, the focus on releases allows for a proactive approach to risk mitigation. By launching a beta version, users can evaluate the application and provide valuable feedback identifying any defects or areas for improvement.
Based on this user feedback, developers can swiftly implement changes addressing risks promptly. The iterative nature of development ensures that existing errors are identified and resolved in the process, minimizing their impact on the final product.
Meeting User Requirements
Understanding end-user requirements and meeting their expectations is a priority. Agile teams engage in interactions with end users to clarify expectations collaborate on solutions, and explore options. This ongoing collaboration fosters. Additionally, Agile teams recognize the importance of individuals working together as it enhances productivity by leveraging each other’s expertise and strengths. Collaboration enables teams to tackle challenges creatively and results in the development of applications. Each team member’s unique skills and knowledge contribute to the project’s completion.
Task prioritization
Prioritization plays a role in application development. Agile teams experiment with prioritization models to determine the effective approach. As projects progress, they may need to adapt their prioritization strategy to meet changing requirements and market conditions effectively.When setting sprint objectives, it is essential not to overlook security considerations. One way to prioritize security is by integrating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) into your team’s workflow. If you want to explore the best VPNs for agile teams, check out this comparison of NordVPN and ExpressVPN , two great options for securing your network and data.
Agile Application Development Method
Agile application development follows a defined process that ensures the delivery of high-quality software;
- Requirements Evaluation: Agile teams engage stakeholders extensively to gain an understanding of project requirements and define the scope of the applications.
- Design: When designing the application, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of the users. This includes creating a user interface and an efficient architecture.
- Development: During the development phase, coding is done by following standard principles and coding practices. This helps ensure that the application is built in an organized manner.
- Test: Testing plays a role in each iteration of development. It involves testing to identify any defects or issues, ensuring that high-quality deliverables are achieved.
- Deployment: Once development and testing are complete, the application is deployed in a controlled environment for testing and refinement. This allows for any adjustments or improvements to be made.
- Maintenance & Review: Maintenance and review are aspects after each sprint. The team takes time to review the progress of the application, gather feedback from users or stakeholders and make changes accordingly.
Conclusion
Agile methodology has brought advancements to software development. It enables teams to quickly respond to changing requirements, minimize issues and deliver top-notch applications. Its iterative approach to customer collaboration ensures adaptability and continuous improvement – making it ideal for mobile app development, where flexibility’s crucial. By utilizing practices from methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming, or Adaptive Project Frameworks, organizations can achieve results with customer satisfaction at its core.