Agile software development is a methodology that emphasizes flexibility, customer satisfaction and frequent iterations. The spelling of 'agile' is [ˈædʒaɪl], with the stress on the first syllable. It is an adjective describing a characteristic of a person or a system that is quick, nimble and adaptable. 'Software development' is spelled as it is pronounced, [ˈsɒftweə dɪˈveləpmənt], with the stress on the second syllable of 'development'. The phrase refers to the creation of computer programs, applications and other software products in a dynamic, iterative and customer-centric manner.
Agile software development is a project management methodology used to develop software in a flexible and iterative manner. It focuses on collaboration, adaptability, and frequent delivery of working software. Agile development methods prioritize customer satisfaction and rapid response to change, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the software development process.
One of the key principles of agile software development is breaking down the development process into smaller, manageable tasks known as user stories. These user stories represent specific features or functionality that the software should deliver, and they serve as the building blocks of the project.
Agile development promotes close collaboration between the development team, customers, and stakeholders throughout the entire software development lifecycle. It emphasizes the importance of regular communication, feedback, and ongoing collaboration to ensure that the software meets the evolving needs and expectations of the users.
An iterative approach is fundamental to agile software development. The development process is divided into short iterations called sprints, with each sprint typically lasting from one to four weeks. At the end of each sprint, a potentially shippable product increment is delivered, allowing for early and continuous validation of the software's functionality and quality.
Agile development methodologies, such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP), provide a framework for implementing and managing agile software development projects. They include practices such as daily stand-up meetings, continuous integration, test-driven development, and frequent retrospectives to optimize team collaboration, productivity, and responsiveness.