The 12 Principles of Agile Software Development

Agile software development is a dynamic methodology designed to adapt swiftly to changes, offering a flexible and transparent approach to project planning and execution. Unlike traditional software development, Agile allows for earlier visibility of results, enabling teams to respond quickly to evolving requirements. Rooted in 12 foundational principles, Agile emphasizes customer satisfaction, close collaboration among experts, regular and rapid software delivery, and a supportive working environment. This method promotes accelerated development, cost savings, and competitive advantage, although its success relies heavily on team collaboration and meeting deadlines. Whether you are new to Agile or looking to deepen your understanding, this blog will guide you through its principles, advantages, and challenges, helping you decide if Agile is the right fit for your projects.

What is Agile Software Development?

Agile software development is a development method that allows you to react quickly to changes. Therefore, the difference to classic software development is the flexible and transparent project planning and the possibility to view results earlier. More about the background and scrum development can you find on our blogpost Agile software development.

The 12 Principles of Agile Software Development

The agile software development consists of 12 principles (published by Kent Beck and his team):

1. Satisfy customers through rapid development
2. Experts work more closely together
3. You can use the change for competitive advantage
4. Regular delivery of software in a short period of time
5. Supportive environment
6. Face-to-face work
7. Functioning software is most important
8. You should keep pace for an unlimited period to support sustainable development
9. Good design and best technology
10. Simplicity
11. Self-organized teams
12. Team reflection and adaptation

Advantages of Agile Software Development

• Easily adaptable
• Accelerated development process
• Takes less time to complete
  → Misunderstandings and details can be clarified quickly according to the face-to-face principle
  → The customer can access the status of the project at any time
• Cost savings
• Competitive advantage
  → Through direct communication
• Flexibility
  → Only the basic functions are specified
  → You can make changes at any time

Disadvantages of Agile Software Development

• You have to comply the deadlines and budgets
• Success depends on team collaboration
• There are no blanket solutions

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when you have to decide whether to work with the agile method or the classic one, you should consider that not every method is suitable for every project. In other words, you should know about advantages and disadvantages of both, the classic software development and the agile software development. Also the customer plays an important role in the selection.

For the optimization of processes and tools and the implementation of improvements, there are a few metrics that can be helpful. You can find them HERE on our blog.