Updated June 28, 2023

Introduction to Agile in SDLC

The software development field has tried several methodologies for delivering projects on time and taking benefits out of it. Software engineering provides procedures and practices that must be followed during software development, which are implemented in a variety of software and act as a pathway for computer techniques.

Agile has been derived from project management, so using agile in SDLC means SDLC makes strong project management to make a process agile. It uses the application of skills, knowledge, tools, and techniques to project to deliver the product to the customer successfully.

The agile methodology aims to gain high productivity over the heavyweight process. It works on less planning and divides tasks into small sub-tasks or small increments with teamwork efforts. The team follows the software development life cycle phases that are-

Requirements collection,
Analysis,
Designing,
Coding,
Testing, and
Maintenance

The agile process is iterative, 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 agile process in SDLC aims to satisfy the customer, so the agile process focuses on the customer’s requirements and allows multiple iterations, allowing a customer to make changes until he is satisfied.

2. Module: The software development system in Agile divides the larger part of the system into smaller parts or manageable pieces called a module, which 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: Parsimony is needed to mitigate risks and achieve goals with minimal modules.

5. Incremental: The agile process develops the system in increments because of its iterative nature. Each increment is independent of the previous one, 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 occurring because of its iterative nature. Hence, its adaptive nature allows for handling new risks and allows changes in real-time requirements.

7. Risks associated with the process are convergent using an iterative and incremental approach.

8. The agile process is collaborative, so it requires good communication among software development teams.

9. Agile processes prioritize customers’ satisfaction over the technology and process, so a good development team increases the performance and productivity of the project.

Agile Model

The agile model exists because it works on a quick delivery aim and is open to accepting requirements changes at a late stage. It allows the user to interact face to face during requirements documentation.

Its methodology is such that it has an adaptive team that is quick and alert to deal with changing requirements.
Agile focuses 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 to them.
The team delivers working software frequently within weeks rather than months. Customer satisfaction is important in delivering rapid, continuous small, and useful software delivery.

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 life cycle’s scope can vary dramatically, software development is not easy yet complicated but can be managed using the correct approach based on the project’s requirements. The initial stage and scope of work are almost the same for all software development models. Important agile work 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 the 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 can accept and respond better to the requirements changes of the project at a 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 resource requirements; thus, functionality can be developed rapidly.

Least Documentation: Agile model has fewer or minimal rules to follow during documentation, and 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 feedback. It also warns the developer about 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, provides efficiency, and is cooperative throughout the development process. The agile model works best if requirement changes are frequent during software development. This works well for projects which need early project delivery. Agile software development is considerably better regarding 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.