Why IT Companies Are Shifting to Agile Model

The waterfall model is the most primitive approach to software development. Better known as the linear-sequential life cycle model, it is very easy to understand and use. But due to certain disadvantages, this model is no longer used within the organizations. Basically, the output of each step acts as input for the next subsequent step. At the end of each phase, a review process takes place to check the progress of the project. But in case, any of the steps go wrong there is no way out to reverse it or go back to the previous step. Software testing starts only when development is complete. Various phases do not overlap.

Disadvantages of Waterfall Model

Although waterfall model is easy to understand, easy to manage, non-overlapping phases, and works extremely well for small projects, still there is a bunch of disadvantages that render it useless in case of medium to large scale organizations:

• Once the project enters the testing phase, it is very difficult to go back and change something in the project.
• Working software is produced later in the life cycle, once all the stages are complete.
• A lot of risks and uncertainty is involved
• This model does not gel up well with the object-oriented programming and complex projects
• It is not suitable for the projects where requirements are accompanied by risk and are subject to change
• This model can be used only when the technology and all the requirements are well understood

What is the Agile Model?

The software is developed in rapid, incremental cycles. This results in small incremental releases with each release building on previous functionality. Thorough testing is done to ensure that software quality is maintained.

Agile model suits best to the applications that are time-critical. Extreme programming, lean software development, feature-driven development, dynamic software development method (DSDM), Crystal methodologies, Scrum are popular examples of agile software development/testing methodology.

Advantages of Agile Model:

• Customers or end-users are satisfied when they get a finished and fully functional module at the end of every iteration
• Customers are in continuous interaction with the development and the testing team during the life cycle process. This clarifies all doubts in real-time.
• This methodology helps in adapting rapidly according to changing software trends.
• Working software is delivered quickly in weeks rather than in months
• This model is flexible enough to accommodate changes at a later stage of development as opposed to the waterfall model approach, where steps cannot be reversed.
• Good design and technical excellence are the focus areas of this model.

Disadvantages of Agile Model:

• It is difficult to analyze the effort required at the beginning of the software deliverables if they are big
• Designing and documentation are not emphasized in this model and it simply revolves around the development
• If the objectives of the module are not clear, it can easily be taken off the track
• Only senior programmers are capable of taking the required decisions with agile software development life cycle approach. New programmers need to learn the basics before getting into the development unless combined with experienced resources

When should the agile model be used?

This model can be implemented as and when there is a need to implement new changes in the system. As this model is based on frequent increments, therefore, new changes can be implemented at a very less cost.

• If any new feature is to be implemented within the software, then the developer needs to lose only a few days’ works as increments keep changing and they can be easily rolled back.

• Very limited planning is required in the agile model as compared to the traditional waterfall model, as the user needs to keep changing and features can be added or removed based on user feedback.
• The agile methodology gives developers the freedom to think, plan, code, make changes, test and deploy at their convenience and to the satisfaction of users.

How does agile model work/agile process flow?

Some of the core values that Agile Software Development relies upon:

• Interacting with the team regarding the tools and processes required
• Working software is more important than comprehensive documentation
• Involving end-users in software development and testing, maybe in taking important decisions
• Responding proactively to the changes

How does the agile model differ from the traditional waterfall model?

In response to swift changes in technology and software development approach, agile methodology is a software development life cycle model that significant differences from the traditional waterfall model approach. Here are the differences:

See also: How Agile Methodology Streamlines Mobile App Development Process?

The Laconic Answer

Large-scale enterprises are continuously competing to become digital technical giants. With a shift in the technological scenario, they have an urge to gel up with the merging trends and to exceed user demands. A sudden change in the software development lifecycle requires building a more customer-centric bequest.

A lot of planning and skills are required before taking on large-scale software projects. Shorter development lifecycles, wider market coverage, early customer feedback, continuous improvements are some of the advantages of the agile development model. The development follows a continuous improvement cycle, exposing flaws faster and thus reducing waste. Value is achieved faster as releases arrive at customers more frequently.

We have a team of dedicated agile developers, programmers, architects, scrum masters, test engineers and consultants who provide customized solutions for every type of development needs. Hire a developer from our team and navigate through the agile software development approach in a placid and convenient way.