Agile development

Definition

Agile development is a software development methodology that emphasises iterative progress, collaboration, and adaptability. Instead of delivering a final product at the end of a long cycle, agile breaks projects into smaller increments called iterations or sprints. Each cycle delivers working software that can be tested, reviewed, and refined.

For example, a team building an e-commerce platform may release the checkout function in one sprint and add inventory tracking in the next, continuously improving the system based on user feedback.

Advanced

Agile development is guided by the Agile Manifesto, which values individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change over rigid processes. Frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming provide practical methods for applying agile principles.

Advanced practices include backlog prioritisation, continuous integration and delivery, automated testing, and cross-functional team collaboration. Agile development also integrates with DevOps to align deployment, monitoring, and feedback loops. Success depends on cultural adoption, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to adapt to evolving business needs. Metrics such as velocity, lead time, and defect rates are used to track progress and quality.

Why it matters

• Enables faster delivery of usable features.
• Reduces risks by incorporating feedback throughout development.
• Improves collaboration between business and technical teams.
• Increases flexibility in adapting to changing requirements.

Use cases

• Developing new software products in iterative sprints.
• Building mobile apps with frequent user feedback.
• Managing enterprise system upgrades through agile frameworks.
• Supporting continuous improvement with DevOps integration.

Metrics

• Sprint velocity to measure team output.
• Lead time from request to delivery.
• Defect rates and resolution times.
• Customer satisfaction from delivered features.

Issues

• Lack of understanding of agile principles leading to poor adoption.
• Scope creep if backlogs are not prioritised effectively.
• Challenges in scaling agile across large organisations.
• Resistance from stakeholders used to traditional project management.

Example

A startup launches a minimum viable product for a ride-sharing app. Using agile development, the team adds features such as driver ratings, payment integration, and ride scheduling in iterative sprints. Customer feedback informs each update, resulting in a more user-friendly and competitive product.