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    For over 20 years, Agile methodology and its principles have facilitated a more streamlined and efficient approach to building software applications. However, despite Agile project management becoming the standard workflow for many European and American developers, its traits and benefits may still not be evident and understandable to many customers. This article aims to clarify the specifics of applying Agile to the software development life cycle process and demonstrate its advantages over traditional development approaches.

    What is Agile Model in Software Engineering

    Application development methodologies have evolved in response to the ever-growing complexities of software projects. Initially, software development followed a predominantly sequential and rigid path known as the Waterfall. In the Waterfall model, each app-building phase — such as requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, and deployment — followed the other consecutively, with little room for change once a stage had begun.

    However, as software projects became more intricate and dynamic, it became apparent that the Waterfall model’s inflexibility could lead to problems such as missed requirements, late-stage changes, and lengthy development cycles. The Agile software development concept emerged in response to these challenges, focusing on flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity.

    Key principles of Agile methodology

    Unlike the Waterfall model’s linear progression, Agile embraces an iterative and incremental approach. It breaks the development process into smaller, manageable cycles called iterations or sprints, resulting in a potentially shippable product gain every time. This approach allows for early and regular releases, enabling rapid adaptation to changing requirements.

    The Agile methodology is underpinned by a set of fundamental principles that guide its strategy for managing projects and delivering software.

    These four cardinal principles are succinctly encapsulated in the slogan: “We prioritize individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responsiveness to change.” Beyond these foundational tenets, Agile methodology espouses additional principles that are equally important:

    With its adaptable and flexible approach, Agile methodology in software development life cycle is a highly sought-after project management paradigm that finds application across diverse industries and contexts.

    Software Development Life Cycle Waterfall vs Agile
    Agile vs Waterfall development model

    Benefits of Agile software product development process

    The Agile methodology is not only defined by its guiding principles but is also renowned for its manifold advantages to software development endeavors. The most indisputable benefits of Agile workflow template are the following:

    The agile procedure optimizes the software development process and heralds a cultural shift in how teams cooperate and innovate. It is more than just a methodology; it is a transformative force driving excellence in software engineering. That is how user-friendly, productive, and functional enterprise software applications are created, like those presented in the Academy Smart’s promo video.

    Agile frameworks and tools for software development

    Development teams may operate various frameworks to implement Agile practices, manage projects efficiently, and deliver high-quality software quickly. There are several famous examples:

    Specialized tools for project management assist software development teams in implementing Agile principles, from managing work items and tracking progress to facilitating collaboration and communication among team members and stakeholders. Among the most popular auxiliary tools, you can find the following ones:

    You may learn more about their feature set and the pros and cons in our article “12 Best AI Project Management Software Tools” earlier in the blog. Of course, the choice of framework and tools depends on the team’s specific needs and the nature of the project.

    Agile Software Development Life Cycle: policy and procedures

    The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic approach used in software engineering to design, develop, test, and maintain program systems. It guides the entire software development process from inception to deployment. Typically it consists of the following stages:

    The SDLC is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it offers flexibility to adapt to different project types and methodologies. Various SDLC models, such as Waterfall or Agile cater to specific project needs and organizational preferences.

    5 phases of agile SDLC process

    Considering the above, let’s note that the critical difference between the Waterfall vs Agile SDLC models is the opposite of a linear and sequential approach against iterative and flexible. In other words, the activation of SDLC phases in the Waterfall mainly occurs only once on the path directly from planning to release of the application. What is an agile model in SDLC, then? It reproduces the entire development life cycle in each but shorter iteration approved as part of the planning. This way enables the delivery of functional software at the end of each iteration, allowing for adaptation based on changing factors. Of course, specialized terminology and efficient workflow are used to manage the software development life cycle process flexibly. So, what are the 5 stages of SDLC in an Agile flowchart?

    The Agile SDLC is an adaptable process that can be used to develop various software products. It is particularly well-suited for developing complex enterprise-level products that require frequent changes.

    5 phases of agile SDLC project management
    Agile SDLC components

    Agile roadmap creation methodology

    Creating a roadmap in Agile SDLC defines a clear and structured plan for the project, ensuring that team members, stakeholders, and customers have a shared understanding of priorities, objectives, and timelines. It helps align efforts, manage expectations, and adapt to changing requirements, ultimately enhancing communication, collaboration, and the successful delivery of valuable software increments.

    The specificity of the Agile roadmap creation procedure lies in its adjustable and elastic approach to planning and visualizing the development journey of a software project.

    Agile roadmaps are not fixed documents but evolve iteratively. They focus on short- to mid-term planning, typically a few months to a year, allowing teams to adjust their course based on changing priorities and feedback. Agile roadmaps embrace change and uncertainty. They are designed to accommodate new requirements, shifting priorities, and unforeseen challenges, allowing teams to pivot as needed.

    Agile roadmaps focus on desired outcomes and impact rather than just output. They align with the project’s strategic goals and the broader vision of the product. They emphasize incremental and frequent releases of working software. That allows teams to gather real-world feedback and validate assumptions, leading to better-informed decisions. Moreover, agile SDLC roadmaps are subject to regular review and adjustment. Developers conduct frequent retrospectives to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and refine the workflow accordingly.

    Agile roadmaps are often presented visually, using tools like Kanban boards or Gantt charts. This visual representation provides a clear overview of the project’s progress and upcoming milestones, encouraging collaboration between cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, testers, and product managers. As they prioritize delivering value to end-users, Agile roadmaps are transparent and accessible to all stakeholders. That fosters cooperation, alignment, and shared understanding among team members, product owners, and customers.

    To create an Agile software development life cycle roadmap, developers usually have to:

      1. Gather input from stakeholders
        Talk to the people who will be using the product, as well as those who will be responsible for developing and maintaining it. Get their input on the product vision, strategy, and roadmap.
      2. Prioritize the functionality
        Not all features and functionality are created equal. Some parts are more critical than others, and some features are more urgent. Prioritize the features and functionality based on their importance and urgency. Selecting and clearly defining SDLC KPIs and their targets will help track the effectiveness of the process at all its stages and iterations.
      3. Estimate the efforts
        Once you have prioritized the features and functionality, you need to estimate the effort required to produce each component. It will help you to create a realistic timeline for delivery and allocate the necessary amount of resources.
      4. Create a release plan
        The release plan should outline the key features and functionality that will be included in each product release.
      5. Review and update the roadmap
        The Agile roadmap is a living document, so it is important to recapitulate and modernize it regularly as the product evolves and new information becomes available.

     

    Here are some tips for creating a practical SDLC roadmap:

    Agile SDLC project management challenges

    Agile SDLC methodologies have revolutionized software development, implementing flexibility, customer collaboration, and faster delivery. However, with these benefits come a unique set of challenges PMs must address to ensure successful project outcomes. Here are some of them:

    Navigating these challenges is vital to harnessing the full potential of the Agile SDLC process, allowing developers to build high-quality software apps within project timelines and budgets. Of course, that requires a lot of practical experience; our one is presented on the portfolio page.

    Agile software development portfolio of Academy Smart's team
    Software products we delivered

    Why Choose Academy SMART as your Agile Software Development Team

    Academy Smart, an offshore IT service provider from Eastern Europe, has practiced the most advanced and reliable Agile principles for enterprise software development for over 13 years. Our programmers, designers, business analysts, and project managers hone their daily skills on projects for our clients across various business sectors, creating user-friendly, efficient, and profitable applications.

    Our outstaffing specialists quickly integrate into existing in-house teams, bringing great organizational benefits and valuable expertise. Dedicated teams assembled from our employees work equally effectively as contractors or primary outsourced turnkey software developers. With our participation, custom software application development will be an easier journey for your business. Contact us to share the range of tasks you have.

    Agile SDLC Model: Frequently Asked Questions

    What Sets Agile Apart from Traditional Waterfall Development?

    Agile focuses on iterative development and adaptability, allowing for ongoing adjustments, while Waterfall follows a strict, sequential process with less room for change.

    How Can a Business Benefit from Implementing an Agile Development Methodology?

    Implementing Agile principles can lead to faster time-to-market, improved collaboration, flexibility to adapt to changes, higher quality, and a customer-centric approach, enhancing the business software project’s success.

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