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Are you following up with the Agile Principles Series? We have already covered two principles. While all 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto are yet to be discovered, this article highlights only the third principle:

“Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference for a shorter timescale.”

If you are an Agile Practitioner, keep Learning as we dissect the essence of the third principle of the Agile Manifesto. But first, we will review the traditional software delivery approach and its contemporary implications. So, join us on this journey back to the roots of Agile and discover how it shapes the modern approach to Agile Software Development.

Back To The Roots: The Evolution from Waterfall to Agile

Before the era of Agile and Scrum, software development was often shackled by the rigid chains of waterfall project management. Phases like analysis, requirements specification, design, development, testing and integration, and deployment followed a sequential order, resulting in long development cycles. The waterfall approach, a relic from the industrial and manufacturing age, led to projects lasting 8 to 12+ months, hindering adaptability and responsiveness.

How Does Agile Principle #3 Represent A Paradigm Shift?

Agile Principle #3 departs from the traditional mindset, advocating for delivering working software in smaller, frequent increments. This paradigm shift aims to mitigate risks associated with significant, monolithic releases and aligns with the fast-paced nature of the digital era. Let's break down the critical components of this principle and understand their significance.

Delivering Working Software:

The emphasis on delivering software that works is foundational. The definition of "working" is context-dependent and relies on the team's Definition of Done. This set of criteria ensures that the software meets the requirements before release. The goal is to avoid delivering half-done software, minimize technical debt, and ensure each Sprint's output is production-ready.

Maintaining Delivery Frequently:

Frequent delivery is the heartbeat of Agile. It facilitates short feedback loops, allowing for the incorporation of new functionality in smaller increments. This approach significantly reduces the risk of introducing significant, expensive changes late in development, aligning with Agile's core philosophy of adaptability.

Software Delivery With Iterations:

Historically, Agile suggested a delivery timeframe ranging from a few weeks to a few months. However, the landscape has evolved with the rise of DevOps and Continuous Deployment technologies. The focus has shifted from monthly or weekly deployments to continuous, sometimes daily, releases. This evolution reflects the industry's commitment to rapid, streamlined delivery.

Why Does Today’s Agile Development Prefer A Shorter Timescale?

The preference for a shorter timescale aligns with the broader industry trend towards continuous deployments. Shorter timescales result in smaller "leaps of faith," reducing the inherent risk of failure in introducing new code or functionalities. Advanced testing methodologies, such as A/B and canary testing, further mitigate risk.

Navigating The Agile Marathon:

In a world where many engineering teams operate within the Scrum framework, it's crucial to view Agile as a marathon rather than a series of sprints. Continuous collaboration with users is critical. While iterating ensures the frequent shipment of new features, understanding the levers available to optimize delivery speed is equally essential. Every small optimization contributes to increasing the frequency of iterations, ultimately aiding organizational success in the long run.

How Can Agile Teams Embrace Agile Principle #3?

As we unravel the layers of the third Agile Principle, it's time to reflect on its practical implications for your team. What does this principle mean to you, and how does your team embody it? Consider the following points:

Defining "Working" for Your Team:

It involves aligning with your project's unique objectives and expectations. For some teams, "working" might mean that the software meets the specified functional requirements, passes all relevant tests, and integrates seamlessly with the existing system. Others may emphasize a user-centric definition: "Working" equates to a seamless, intuitive user experience.

In practical terms, it's essential to establish a shared understanding within the team regarding the Definition of Done (DoD). This collaborative effort should involve developers, product owners, quality assurance professionals, and other stakeholders. The DoD acts as a checklist, ensuring that each piece of work is complete and meets the necessary standards before it's considered ready for deployment.

Frequency of Delivery:

Shortening deployment timescales is a crucial objective for Agile teams to enhance responsiveness and reduce the time between code completion and delivery to end-users. Teams can explore several strategies to achieve this goal:

• Automation: Implementing automated deployment processes streamlines the path from code commit to production, reducing manual intervention.
• Containerization: Technologies like Docker enable consistent deployment across various environments, minimizing compatibility issues.
• Microservices Architecture: Breaking down monolithic applications into microservices allows for independent deployment, accelerating release cycles.

User-Centric Approach:

A user-centric approach is fundamental to Agile success, ensuring that the delivered software meets the actual needs and expectations of end-users. Teams employ various strategies to gather valuable feedback:

• User Testing: Regular user testing sessions allow the team to observe how users interact with the software, identifying pain points and areas for improvement.
• Surveys and Feedback Forms: Deploying surveys and feedback forms collects quantitative and qualitative insights, providing a broader understanding of user satisfaction.
• User Analytics: Leveraging analytics tools help track user behavior within the application, uncovering usage patterns and areas requiring attention.

Conclusion: Join the Agile Conversation with The Agile Principle #3

As we dive into the depths of Agile Principle #3, your insights and experiences matter. Head to the responses section and engage in a healthy discussion and debate. Share your team's strategies, challenges, and successes in embracing the Agile love. Together, we can refine these recommendations and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Agile practices.

In the marathon of Agile adoption, let every small optimization count toward increasing the frequency of iterations and, ultimately, the success of your organization. Agile Principle #3 beckons us to deliver working software frequently, paving the way for a more responsive, adaptable, and successful development journey.

Reference:

https://www.scrum.org/resources/blog/how-12-principles-agile-manifesto-work-real-life