Agile Approach Replacing Traditional Methods of Software Development
There is a lot of debate going on regarding agile software development and whether it serves to be more beneficial or not. Many developers are turning to this methodology rather than the conventional methods to develop software.
The growing trend for this methodology is fast gaining popularity as it proves to be more efficient and result oriented rather than the time consuming traditional methods of the past. Agile methods when put to use have been found to be more productive. Their flexible style suits the modern style of working where quick solutions that save time are what matter most to businesses.
The old engineering methods took too much time in the planning phase alone as everything was worked out beforehand. On the other hand agile processes tackle the problems as they come rather than depending on planned strategic behavior.
The predictive policy as in the older methodologies to plan and then build is not very useful as estimates can turn out to be very inaccurate when the actual execution takes place. Plus the requirements can keep changing and therefore a fixed plan might not work. Agile methods are more open to change. Very often it is during the process that it is discovered which aspects are more valuable and which can be compromised on. In agile processes such adaptations can easily be made.
Iterative development keeps the process simple as a certain phase when completed is forwarded for feedback ensuring continuous and smooth flow of work. With proper intervals of feedback and immediate responses for every phase you can move on with every step with proper checks thus fixing the bugs as they come along. Iteration development allows building a strong foundation on which you can base the next developmental phase.
In agile development the software design process becomes more people or team oriented as it is the team members who evolve the strategy as they seem fit according to the technological project demands. The software processes are not predetermined and the power of decision lies not with one management figure but the team that is working on it.
Although there are many benefits of agile development and it is widely applicable it might not prove to be fruitful in all case scenarios. Many believe that as agile is dependent on team work that requires quick immediate responses it cannot work well for large projects or for offshore development processes. Contrary to this there have been successful agile developments for offshore projects.
