Agile software development processes are known to be one of the most popular methods among software developers as it can effectively improve the quality of the software in a shorter period of time, compared to other old methods, such as the waterfall. There are so many benefits of adopting the agile methodology for your project — making it a good idea to consider transitioning to agile.
The Waterfall methodology is a traditional working style with a straightforward process. The development process flows from one phase to another like a waterfall. Each phase has to be complete before moving on to the next phase — making the process time-consuming. With the waterfall methodology, there is only one big outcome at the end of the process.
Agile software development processes are modern working methods in software development industries that divides long tasks into sprints. Each sprint is usually 2 weeks long which makes the development process move quicker than the traditional waterfall method. With the Agile methodology, there are cumulative outcomes at the end of every sprint.
Upcoming changes are always welcome in Agile methodology because huge tasks are divided into small steps or sprints. Every new requirement that the client needs can be easily adjusted and get feedback between each weekly sprint.
Agile way of working encourages everyone in the teams to be more flexible — as they can work at their own pace. However, regular meetings with the team are also important to make sure that everyone is on the same page and every weekly task is completed. Transition to Agile will encourage team members to work together.
It is easy to predict the result when workloads are separated into weekly sprints. Developers can expect new features at the end of every sprint or even able to give the software launch date.
When the project is predictable, the risk becomes predictable as well. With Agile, the teams have more control over the project which makes it easier for them to avoid unwanted risks.
The plan and tasks are being agreed among the team members before the start of each sprint. As collaboration is important in Agile, it creates transparency within the team. Constructive feedback is being given regularly to make sure that the project is improving and running smoothly.
With the waterfall approach, stakeholders are being included during some certain phases of the project only, such as the gathering or the testing phase. Unlike the traditional waterfall, in order to make the project successful, Agile requires stakeholders to be more active in the project.
Developers have to work on every feature at the same time in the waterfall method which can be time consuming and leave less time for the testing. With small sprints in Agile, developers can focus on one feature at a time — more time to improve and test each feature thoroughly.
Higher quality software can guarantee better customer satisfaction. Apart from that, customers are likely to be more satisfied because they get to participate in the project more with Agile methodology. Feedbacks are given regularly, not only at the end of the project making it possible for the team to make sure that all the customer’s needs are met.
When transitioning to agile, both team members and the project are always improving. As Agile promotes teamwork, collaboration and exchanging ideas are important to the process — encouraging everyone to learn from each other. Moreover, the team can also learn from the previous sprint and carefully plan the next sprint to avoid the same mistake — making it possible for the quality of the project to be enhanced.
It is necessary to adapt internally to be able to move forward and keep up with the vast competition in today’s world; as agile methodology has proven to be more reliable & effective in recent years. Transitioning from the waterfall methodology to the new modern agile methodology is a great way to keep your company growing!
It is proven that today’s digital challenges are being solved by using Agile methodology. Working in the agile way allows dedicated teams to effectively collaborate with each other while developing quality software at the same time. Adopting the agile methodology has helped us develop long term business partners through consistently gaining our client’s trust.
In conclusion, transitioning to agile can improve the team performance, quality of the software and relationship with clients.
Making the company stand out from the crowd in this competitive industry can be difficult. However, being open-minded and adapting modern methods can help improve the organization. This could be a huge change in terms of structure and culture of the organization, but the benefits make it worth trying.