What Can Agile Methods Be Used For In 2021

Agile was developed to provide an efficient framework for the software development process where a lot of changes take place. In this article, you will get to know what the important types of agile methodologies and how they play a coherent role in the software development field.

What is agile methodology?

Agile methodology is applied to divide a software development project into several phases and then continually improve each phase by bringing in key members such as stakeholders, developers, testers etc. Cross-functional teams work in a collaborative manner to upscale the productivity and quality of the software application. The aim is to develop the software faster with few or no errors.

Agile methods have gained much prominence in recent times. As this methodology anticipates changes and works on sprints, it helps teams to manage and deliver projects within the time frame. With continuous iterations, teams can deliver the project according to the changing requirements of customers which ultimately results in increased customer satisfaction and high-quality product. Let us now try to understand this methodology in more detail and see for what these methods can be used.

What is meant by the agile methods?

It is a project management process that anticipates change and is much more flexible as compared to traditional methods. This process involves breaking down the whole project into small and prioritized requirements. It follows an iterative method where the teamwork on small projects within a time frame (known as sprints) and delivers small sections of the project to the client. Each iteration is reviewed by the development team and client and based on the insights gained from assessment teams plan the next step. This method lays strong emphasis on involving the client from the start of the project so that the client gets updates about the product at each step of development. It lets the client test and approves the product at each step of SDLC. This ensures high client participation, client satisfaction, and client trust.

There are various types of agile methods such as:

·         Scrum

·         Kanban

·         Crystal

·         Lean

·         Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

·         Extreme programming

·         Feature-driven development

·         Dynamic system development method

 What can agile methods be used for?

These methods can be used to conduct a variety of tests such as:

·         Unit testing – It is a software testing type where the smallest possible units of the software are tested to ensure its works as expected in isolation.

·         Performance and load testing – This testing is done to check how the software performs under varying load conditions. In an agile environment, teams can make small changes as per requirements and release the product after improving its sprints

·         Security testing – This test aims to check and remove any vulnerability in the software. Using the agile method teams can ensure the security of software and its components by running tests at each step of SDLC

·         Exploratory testing – It is a form of testing where test cases are not designed in advance and testers check the software on the fly. This testing perfectly goes with agile testing methods as in agile testing methods are focus is more is on testing the product rather than comprehensive planning and documentation. With the help of agile testing, the testers can check the software at any point in time throughout the SDLC process

·         Usability testing – The objective of this test is to ensure that the software is useful for the customer and works as expected. It matches the goal of the agile testing process i.e. to deliver the useful product to customer which enhances UX and customer satisfaction

·         User Acceptance testing – The main aim of UAT is to let users test the product themselves to ensure the reliability, usability, and functionality of the software. As the agile approach lays a strong emphasis on customer participation by involving customers throughout the SDLC process, it matches the goal of the UAT testing process. In the agile software testing approach, the customer test the product themselves at each step of product development which takes UAT to the whole next level and enhances customer satisfaction

·         Regression testing – This test is performed to ensure that the software remains unaffected after frequent changes. Usually, whenever any changes are made in the software such as code change, the addition of functionality, removal of the feature, etc. this test is performed to ensure that the changes do not affect the existing functionality. In agile testing, the changes are anticipated and worked upon frequently which necessarily required regression testing to be performed. With the help of agile techniques, testers can automated regression testing methods throughout the SDLC process.

What are the benefits of using agile methods?

Below mentioned are the main benefits of this testing method:

·         Helps teams to deliver a high-quality product to end-user– This methodology enables thorough testing, which helps teams to detect bugs and fix issues in the software in the same iteration as they are developed. This ensures that quality software is delivered to end-user

·         Helps teams to maximize customer satisfaction - Customer satisfaction is the top priority for every business and this is the main reason why businesses use agile methodology. Since customers are exposed to their product throughout the SDLC process, their satisfaction is increased.

·         Helps businesses to deliver real business value - This methodology places more value on outcomes by enabling quality products that meet the customer’s business goals. This approach ensures effective collaboration between teams and stakeholders to achieve a complete understanding of the stakeholder’s business goals.

·         Helps businesses to reduce overall risk- In this method, the product is developed in sprints which gives teams enough time to make changes or update between feature development. Since the product is tested at each step of the development process it reduces the overall risk in the product and since the client/customer is involved throughout the process the risk of product failure is removed

·         Helps businesses to achieve high ROI – This methodology helps businesses to deliver value to the customer and focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction. This ultimately reduces overall risk and results in increased return on investment.

Following are 5 important types of agile methodologies:

1. Kanban: The name ‘Kanban’ originated from the Japanese language. ‘Kanban’ means ‘Visual board or signboard.’ This type was initially introduced as a lean manufacturing system, but, slowly paved its way to agile software development. Visual methods are used for developing and managing projects.

All the software projects linked with Kanban can see the progress through the Kanban board. The board is divided into columns to represent the process flow of the software development. Teams can be able to view the progress of every stage of software development and thus strategically plan for upcoming tasks so that the product can be delivered “Just in time.”

2. Crystal: In this type of agile methodology, smaller agile development methodologies are grouped and comprised of Crystal red, Crystal orange, Crystal clear etc. Each has its significant framework that is categorized by specific factors such as team size, project priorities and system criticality. Crystal is implemented to deliver the software promptly, high involvement of users with less administration and lastly satisfying customers. Crystal ensures that a project employs best practices and processes in order to achieve productive outcomes.

3. Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM): To ensure that there is a strategic and viable approach for faster delivery of software, the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) was developed. A comprehensive structure is provided by DSDM and further is modified and defined to create a plan so that executing and managing the software development process becomes easy and effective.

4. Extreme Programming (XP): XP is a type of agile methodology that is more focused on communication, teamwork and feedback. Continual development and satisfying the customers forms the core of XP. This type emphasizes on sprints and short development cycles to create a highly productive environment. When there are varying and constant demands from customers, then XP is the most preferred type to go for. Developers must adapt to changing customer requirements if need be required. The project is tested from the initial stages itself through the extreme Programming method.

5. Scrum: It is considered to be one of the most popular types of agile development methodologies. The essence of Scrum lies in breaking down the software development phases into cycles known as “Sprints.” Each sprint is given due time to bring out the best solutions for the progression of software development activity. Scrum teams work in a methodical and strategic manner where certain key roles such as Scrum master and product owner interact constantly to improve the efficacy of daily scrums, so that the sprints that happen on a regular basis are highly productive and bring out the best of teamwork and strategic project implementation.

Conclusion:  The IT department of an organization needs to thoroughly understand the types of agile methodologies if they are optimistic about going forward for agile software development implementation. The concerned technical team(s) must clearly know what are their project requirements and can these types of agile methodology bring full justice to the project in terms of actual outcomes and scope of quality.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. Software testing is one of the areas in which I’m really interested. In this article, I have tried to provide some meaningful information about the various types of agile methodology.