7 Different Types Of Agile Methodologies

Featured article by Daniel Sylvanns, Independent Technology Author

Developers and stakeholders can use many approaches to the software development life cycle (SDLC). The Agile model is one of the most effective methods available. Both development and testing’s continuous iteration is its focus.

Agile is a set of techniques that a team follows when administering a plan or project. Agile divides work into several stages while ensuring continuous collaboration with customers. At each phase, constant monitoring is a must. Unlike conventional methods of tackling software development projects, both the developing and software testing services are parallel and synchronized in the agile methodology.

Below is a list of the different types of agile methodology that software development teams can use:

1. Kanban

This type of methodology fulfills all of the Agile model’s 12 different principles. It’s an incremental process wherein transparency in software development is the primary aspect.

For project traceability, a software developer uses Kanban boards that follow a three-step process–to do, in progress, and done. Cards represent every work’s state. They’re used on the board to track any work performed in a project, giving a clear picture of the team’s progress and the overall workflow.

2. SCRUM

The set of development principles that this methodology type possesses is more complex, making it a highly prescriptive framework.

A scrum board is a visual tool used to track the progress of tasks in a project. It provides a centralized location for teams to manage work items such as user stories, tasks, and bugs. By using columns representing the different stages of the development process, it enables teams to move tasks between columns as they progress. The scrum board promotes transparency and accountability, as team members can easily see the status of each task. It facilitates collaboration and communication among team members, helping to identify and resolve issues during the development process.

Under this methodology, a given product’s owner will collaborate with businesses and software development teams to isolate and harness a system’s functions in what’s called a product backlog. Sprint, or the distribution of software programs in increments, will then be carried out by assorted team members. Depending on the set deadline based on the Agile estimation conducted, it typically takes a duration of two weeks to a month for the entire process to be completed.

Note that there are also different estimation techniques, and you can discover more here. If necessary, priorities are shifted with each cycle’s repetition after a product backlog analysis is made upon delivery. Simply saying, SCRUM focuses on the projects’ management aspects.

A mix of advantages and disadvantages come when implementing SCRUM. It can result in slapdash programming (something that happens when teams get pressured to complete the sprint’s time box) and leave inadequate handover records. On the other hand, SCRUM is also known to promote transparency among colleagues. It does so by enabling management teams to identify issues at the development stage. This methodology works appropriately for companies that focus on their partnership with management teams and product features and delivery.

A timeboxed daily event or stand-up meetings where all members discuss possible obstacles in their work progress will make the most out of SCRUM.

3. Extreme Programming

Extreme Programming (XP) focuses on customer satisfaction through constant development. This methodology emphasizes feedback, communication, and teamwork. Similar to SCRUM, short development cycles or sprints are also present in this framework. It creates a highly efficient and productive environment for software development teams.

In a situation where there are constant and varying customer demands, the XP technique works well. Even if changes in the customer requests pop up somewhere in the development process’ advanced phases, XP motivates developers to accept them, just as a casino motivates players to get 50 free spins bez depozytu.

The project gets tested through feedback collection in this framework. It occurs from the initial stages and as the system’s output progresses. To implement any customer requirements without problems, a spot check is also present.

4. Crystal

Also known as ‘lightweight methodology,’ crystal has less documentation and project review overhead. It doesn’t have a set of rules or any approach to follow, unlike all the previous frameworks we’ve mentioned so far. The Crystal methodology depends on many factors, which are categorized by several different colors.

Each color in the Crystal method family represents a specific methodology. Every methodology depends on the project environment and team size. The Crystal colors are Crystal Sapphire, Crystal Diamond, Crystal Maroon, Crystal Red, Crystal Orange Web, Crystal Orange, Crystal Yellow, and Crystal Clear.

5. Dynamic Systems Development

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) was developed to address swift software delivery’s need for a standardized industry charter. This methodology believes that project modifications are always expected. It also emphasizes that quality with timely delivery is a must. Those are all based on a business-driven approach.

The Dynamic Systems Development Methodology gives a comprehensive structure defined and modified when creating a plan, executing, managing, and scaling the software development’s procedure.

6. Feature-driven Development

This Agile methodology is in contrast to other frameworks like SCRUM and XP. That’s because it centers on strict operations involving domain walkthroughs. It also focuses on design, code, and inspection. Feature-Driven Development (FDD) is centered on the developer and involves turning models into builds at iterations performed every two weeks.

FDD’s model is built up together with a list of features. A development and design plan gets implemented for each of them. The team then performs a unit test to see whether or not it’s ready for the build phase following a series of inspections.

Feature-Driven Development facilitates top-quality design/code documentation and assessment. That’s on top of advocating the building process’ strict organization to bring about viable software that can be created consistently.

It’s essential to note, though, that early imperfections in FDD can result in prolonged corrections. That’s because this Agile framework demands an advanced planning foresight and design skill level. Big business developers in sectors where quality control and process maturity are obligatory, such as the banking and financial industries, will benefit so much from the Feature-Driven Development methodology.

7. Lean Software Development Methodology

This Agile methodology type is all about using a holistic approach to give valuable services to customers. Waste reduction is the Lean software development framework’s basic concept.

The principles that guide this methodology include eliminating waste, creating learning, deciding late, and fast delivery. Lean also involves team empowerment, building integrity, and optimizing the whole.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct methodology among the different Agile framework types available requires a dynamic approach. Always consider the advantages and disadvantages of each to select the best method for your business. Go for the framework that can help you convey fantastic digital experiences in the increasingly competitive market. Note that the right agile approach also entices talents to your team.

This post has been a detailed guide to the Agile model’s different methodology types. Here, you learned the concept of each of the most common Agile frameworks available. Hopefully, this article can help you pick up the method that best fits your organization’s needs.