Introduction to Agile in SDLC
The software development field has tried several methodologies for delivering projects on time and took benefits out of it. Software engineering provides procedures and practices which must be followed during software development, and these are implemented in a variety of software, and those act as a pathway for computer techniques.
Agile has been derived from project management so when using agile in SDLC, it means SDLC making a strong project management to make a process agile. It uses the application of skills, knowledge, tools, and techniques to project in order to make a successful delivery of the product to the customer.
The agile methodology aims to gain high productivity over heavy weight process. It works on less planning and divides a task into small sub-tasks or small increments with the efforts of team-work. The team follows the software development life cycle phases that are-
- Requirements collection,
- Analysis,
- Designing,
- Coding,
- Testing, and
- Maintenance
The agile process is iterative in nature, which means the changes can be made according to the customer’s requirement until the customer is satisfied.
Characteristics of Agile Software Development
Below are the different characteristics of agile software as follows:
1) Iterative
The aim of the agile process in SDLC is to satisfy customer, so agile process put the focus on customer’s requirements and allow multiple iterations, which allow a customer to make changes till he is satisfied.
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2) Module
Software development system in agile divides the larger part of the system into smaller parts or into manageable pieces called module and this plays a very important role in the software development process.
3) Time Boxing
The iterative nature of the agile process requires time limits in each module with the respective cycle.
4) Parsimony
The parsimony is needed to mitigate risks and achieve goals by minimal modules.
5) Incremental
The agile process develops the system in increments because of iterative nature and each increment is independent of previous once but at the finishing stage, all the increments are integrated into a complete system.
6) Adaptive Nature
In agile there are chances of new risks occurrence because of its iterative nature so its adaptive nature allows handling new risks and allows the changes in the real time requirements.
7) Risks associated with the process are convergent by using an iterative and incremental approach.
8) As the agile process is collaborative in nature, so it requires good communication among software development teams.
9) Agile processes are prioritizing customers’ satisfaction over the technology and process, so the good development team increases the performance and productivity of the project.
Agile Model
Agile model is into existence because it works on a quick delivery aim and open to accepting requirements changes at even late stage. It allows the user to interact face to face during requirements documentation.
- Its methodology is such which has an adaptive team that is quick and alert to deal with the changing requirements.
- Agile put prime focus on product delivery with a satisfied customer and on time. Agile methodology welcomes changes in the project at any stage of development and the agile team responds well with it.
- The team makes sure to deliver working software frequently within weeks rather than months. Customer satisfaction is an important principle by delivering rapid and continuous delivery of small and useful software.
The Functionality of Agile SDLC
The Working of Agile Starts with
- initial requirements and architecture
- the scope of the life cycle
- iterations for -preplanning, project inception, and functioning.
- Then release iteration
- Closure
Though the scope of the life cycle can be varying dramatically. Software development is not easy yet complicated but can be managed using the correct approach based on the requirements from the project. The initial stage and scope work almost the same for all models of software development. For agile important works starts with iterations.
- Pre-Planning Phase- during this, the team will identify the business opportunity and will see this as an opportunity with a bigger picture and focus on the market concern, be aware of competition and threats related to the project to stay in the market for the long run.
- Identifying the Capabilities for the Project– there can be many issues to consider while selecting the appropriate strategy for the project, the right choice will work well.
- Accessing the Feasibility- the feasibility analysis should be strong enough to determine if it will be a good choice to invest in the potential project. Feasibility will be economical, technical, operational, and political. The feasibility study should also produce lists of potential risks and credentials to make decisions for making milestones during the projects.
Advantages
The advantage of using agile software development methodology in the software development life cycle is that the agile model has the ability to accept and respond better to the requirements changes of the project at the later stage.
- Ensure Customer Satisfaction– No assumptions are made by the team or the customer, the team and customer will sit down and discuss requirements via face to face communication and the team will continue accepting the inputs from the clients.
The agile model has minimum resources requirements; thus, functionality can be developed rapidly.
- Least Documentation– Agile model has less or minimal rules to follow during documentation, documentation can be easily employed.
- Reduces Risks of Development– agile approach delivers a mini software to the customer after every short development and includes the customer for the feedback on the same, also warns the developer about the upcoming issues during the later development stages. It delivers the project within the planned context. Very less planning is required and easy to manage. The agile model provides flexibility for developers and has a very realistic approach to software development.
Conclusion – Agile in SDLC
Agile is an attitude that works with positivity, provide efficiency and cooperative throughout the development process. if requirement changes are frequent during the software development the agile model works best. This works well for projects who need early project delivery .The agile software development is considerably better in terms of productivity, performance, faster time cycles and risk analysis
Reference:
- A Yuan: A real example of agile software development, 2009.
- Beck K: a manifesto for agile software development, 2001.
- Ambler: agile modeling, 2002.
- Cockburn: agile software development 2006.
- Larman: agile and iterative development, 2004.
- Marti: agile software development- principles, patterns and practices, 1999.
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