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Agile Values

This article describes the Agile values.

Agile Values

There are four agile values i.e., prioritizes people over processes and tools, prioritizes software over documentation, prioritizes collaboration over contract negotiation, and prioritizes responding to change over following a project plan.

Prioritizes People Over Processes And Tools

Consider the following scenario – Let us say I want to discuss an issue with the client. One way is to just send an email to the client and wait for them to reply. This way, we have a record of what we said, but it might take longer to solve the problem.

Another way is to schedule a call with them. We can talk in real time, discuss the issue thoroughly, and use our combined knowledge to fix it. So, in Agile, we value interaction and people more than just using tools like email. But that does not mean we ignore tools completely. We just use them when they are helpful.

Prioritizes Software Over Documentation

This value emphasizes the importance of delivering a functional product or software solution rather than spending excessive time and effort on extensive documentation.

Prioritizing Working Software

The primary goal of any software development effort should be to deliver a working product that meets the needs of the end-users or stakeholders. This means focusing on writing code, testing, and deploying functional software that provides value to the customer.

Over Documentation

While documentation is important for communication, knowledge transfer, and compliance purposes, Agile methodologies value working software more than comprehensive documentation. This doesn't mean that documentation is unnecessary, but rather that it should be kept concise, relevant, and updated as the software evolves.

The rationale behind this Agile value lies in the belief that:

Tangible Results

Working software provides tangible results that stakeholders can see, interact with, and provide feedback on. This feedback loop is crucial for refining and improving the product iteratively.

Reduced Waste

Excessive documentation can lead to waste in terms of time, effort, and resources. By prioritizing working software, Agile teams aim to minimize unnecessary overhead and focus on delivering value efficiently.

Adaptability

Agile methodologies embrace change and prioritize responding to customer needs and market demands quickly. By delivering working software early and frequently, teams can gather feedback and adapt their approach accordingly, leading to better outcomes.

Prioritizes Collaboration Over Contract Negotiation

This principle emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration with customers throughout the project lifecycle.

Prioritizes collaboration over contract negotiation means that in agile development, the focus is on building a strong working relationship with the customer rather than adhering strictly to contractual agreements. This does not mean contracts are not important, but it underscores the value of open dialogue, feedback, and adaptation based on customer needs and preferences.

Prioritizes Responding To Change Over Following A Project Plan

In dynamic environments, plans can quickly become outdated as requirements evolve or unforeseen challenges arise. Agile methodologies advocate for a flexible approach that allows teams to adjust course as needed, embracing change as an opportunity for improvement rather than a disruption.

Posted By -	Karan Gupta

Posted On -	Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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