The Agile Way

I came across the term 'Agile Methodology ' when I was preparing for a job interview. Till then, I had been using the so-called Waterfall Model of Software Development. However the new job position expected me to work in Agile environment. That's how (and when) I started reading and learning more about the Agile methodology.

Let's look at some basics here.
Agile Methodology differs from Waterfall in the sense of the overall workflow. In Waterfall Model, we specify the scope of a project, and estimate the schedule of the project (Discovery to Delivery). In Agile, we specify the schedule (Duration) of the project, and then estimate (modify) the scope, so as to fit it in the schedule. Also, there is a continuous cycle of Design-Develop-Test-Deliver. We do not wait for one stage to complete, in order to go to the next stage of development.

Basic characteristics of Agile:
- Project is broken down into fixed-length durations called Iterations or sprints. Typical length is 2-4 weeks. Each iteration involves a complete life cycle: Design-Code-Test-Deliver.
- Team is cross-functional and self-organizing. Typically teams are small, size < 10.
- Documentation is very mininal. The teams operate in a face-to-face manner.
- More towards 'Adaptive' side of the spectrum, than predictive.
- More direct and more often interaction with customers.