How Agile Is Different From Other Approaches Of Software Development

The software development process is one of the most integral aspects of a software development industry as it lays the foundation for developing software systems. This process is carried out in different phases, using various technologies such as Waterfall, prototyping, spiral, etc. These projects work by using different software development life cycle methodologies, depending upon the nature and needs of the business. These methodologies are used to define a definite way in which software development work is organized.

As the complexities in the operations are increasing with each passing day, the companies are shifting towards the use of more robust methods for software development. Now, there is a need to deliver an error-free software system in a short span of time which is not possible with the use of traditional methods. These industries need technologies like agile software development to carry out the process effectively.  

The traditional method uses approaches that are time-consuming and are not feasible for industries. Their linear approach makes the process tedious as it carries out the process in sequential order and completes the phases one-by-one. The various stages in the linear approach include gathering documentation, designing the system and developing a code to test run, system testing, fixing various errors by analyzing the testing results, and finally delivering the developed product to the customer.

Agile software development method doesn’t use a sequential method to carry out the process. Rather, it uses a team-based approach, where the software development tasks are completed in sprints and also allows the industries to revisit the different stages involved in the process, whenever required.

How do Agile Software Development trump traditional methods? 

The traditional software development methods are very rigid, whereas Agile software development methodology uses dynamic approaches and make sure that the product is delivered in a short span of time.

The method includes iterative life cycles, that enable companies to notice the periodic changes in the process and make changes there and then to make the life cycle efficient. This methodology has the ability to adapt to changes, as and when requested by the user. 

Earlier, with the use of traditional methodologies, the customers’ involvement was limited to an extent. They were only involved in the initial stages of the process to describe their requirements with regards to the product, under the development process. The agile software development process enables customer interaction to a great extent. The customers are highly involved at every stage, using this technology. This methodology has allowed the customers to review the application at every stage and provide feedback accordingly. The customers are highly engaged in the whole process which helps the industries to develop a product as per their changing needs and requirements. 

With the use of this technology, the industries do not need to involve the documentation process as this method enables a quick delivery time, by making the changes directly on the code, rather than going through the documents and reviewing the whole process again. Here, the developers just need to add comments as per the needs and carry out the process with much ease, which was not possible earlier with the use of traditional technologies.

Earlier, with the use of traditional technologies, the industries needed to pre-plan every aspect of the development process, which was not a feasible option and made the process rigid. With the use of the agile development software process, the industries do not need to pre-plan everything as this methodology has the ability to change its workflow by adding new modifications, as and when the need arises. This has made the software development process a lot more flexible than it was before. 

Which industry is Agile best-suited for? 

Agile is best-suited for the industries that need to deliver their product in a short span of time and can build more features in the product later on. Small to medium-sized software applications can get a range of benefits by using the agile software development process.

Agile methods require a high level of collaboration of various groups such as vendors, testers, software developers, customers, etc. that helps in making the process much more efficient as everyone is equally responsible for the product developed. Here, the teams are cross-functional which makes the software development process even more fruitful. This methodology uses technologies such as VoIP, webcam, etc. to interact with the teams. Such technologies enable a high level of interaction even among the remote teams, which makes this collaboration more effective in developing the software. The high level of interaction also helps in building the trust of the customers in the development team.  

This method provides a range of benefits to users by making the process cost-effective and dynamic. It has the ability to deliver quality products as the products are developed as per specifications and any change can easily be implemented at any stage of the project.

The significant disadvantage of customary programming improvement strategies incorporates the unidirectional progression of the interaction. Everything, from plan, improvement, to support comprises of a unidirectional stream with explicit expectations, which makes the cycle considerably more dreary.

Agile methodologies are precise and have the ability to do modifications in the process as and when needed. Using this technology, the projects can be segregated into multiple modules, that can be delivered periodically. The user can evaluate these models and can suggest critical modifications for the process to ensure that the product meets the set standards.

The agile software development process has helped the industries to overcome the limitations of traditional methodologies and have a competitive edge in the market.

Industries are rapidly moving towards the use of agile software development as this technology is transforming the software development process and providing a huge number of benefits to these industries as well as the customers.

With growing competition, industries need a perfect methodology to carry out the operations of software development and agile is one of the most implemented technologies in this process.

The methodologies are selected as per the scope, requirements, and aim of the project that is to be developed. If the industries need to complete the projects in a short span, they generally shift towards agile methodologies. This development technology is gaining momentum at a great pace and is moving towards becoming an integral component in the software development industry.