The Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto was written in February 2001 by software practitioners who found consensus around 4 values and 12 Agile principles. The Agile Manifesto is the core of the Agile Movement. The intention of Agile is to align development with business needs.
The Agile Manifesto, its 4 values and 12 Agile Principles, were the consequences of industry frustration in the 1990s about the time lag between business requirements and the delivery of technology. Business and customer requisites changed during this lag time, and the final product did not meet the then current needs.
“We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value:
Individuals and interactions OVER processes and tools
Working software OVER comprehensive documentation
Customer collaboration OVER contract negotiation
Responding to change OVER following a plan
That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.”
The 12 Agile Principles included in the Agile Manifesto describe a culture in which change is welcome, and the customer is the focus of the work.
Agile Principles
- 1 Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery
- 2 Welcome changing requirements, even late in development
- 3 Deliver working software frequently, with a preference to the shorter timescale
- 4 Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project
- 5 Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment, support and trust
- 6 The most efficient and effective method of conveying information is face-to-face conversation
- 7 Working software is the primary measure of progress
- 8 Agile processes promote sustainable development.
- 9 Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility
- 10 Simplicity–the art of maximizing the amount of work not done–is essential
- 11 The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams
- 12 At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective
Agile Definition
According to the 2017 VersionOne’s State of Agile Report, 94% of organizations practice Agile in some form.
But what is Agile? Is there a ‘Agile definition‘?
The word ‘Agile’ refers to a group of different methodologies and frameworks based on iterative development, incremental delivery, continual planning, continual learning and self-organizing cross-functional teams.
Agile is what is called ‘an umbrella term’ for several iterative and incremental (software) development methodologies. What is important about agile methodologies is that they all focus on empowering people to collaborate and make decisions together. Quickly and effectively.
Agile Methodology
And what is the Agile methodology?
This group of different Agile methodologies and frameworks have in common the 12 core Agile principles as outlined in the Agile Manifesto. The main benefit for organizations adopting an Agile methodology is the ability to “adapt to change”.
Some Agile methodologies are clearly focusing on delivery and software development, some others are more project-centric and can be used as typical Project Management methods.