Agile development model is an approach based on iterative development. The techniques greatly focus on flexibility without depending on long-term planning.
Table of Contents
6 steps in agile model of software development process
Six steps make up the Agile development model:
- Requirement gathering
- Requirement Analysis
- Design
- Coding
- Unit testing
- Acceptance testing
Each possible project’s business opportunities are identified in the first step, idea, along with an estimate of the amount of time and labor needed to finish the project.
>> Learn more: 7 Software Development Models You Need To Know
Based on technical and financial viability, this information can then be used to rank initiatives and decide which ones are worth pursuing:
1. Requirement gathering
Each possible project’s business opportunities are identified in the first step, along with an estimate of the amount of time and labor needed to finish the project. Based on technical and financial viability, this information can then be used to rank initiatives and decide which ones are worth pursuing.
2. Requirement Analysis
At this stage, team members are chosen, money is created, and the customer and the initial requirements are discussed. The numerous tasks that teams are responsible for should also be listed on a timetable, along with dates by which each sprint’s work is to be finished. A sprint is a predetermined time frame during which a certain amount of work must be finished and prepared for review.
3. Design
It is the following stage in the life cycle of custom software development. The user interface of the product, including all of the panels, buttons, and other UI (user interface) elements, is included in the design idea. It also affects how smoothly and seamlessly the software’s business logic functions.
4. Coding
Iteration/construction, the third step, is when teams start developing usable software based on specifications and ongoing input. Iterations, also known as single development cycles, are the foundation of the Agile software development cycle.
Each iteration serves as a springboard for the subsequent stage of the broader development process, which continues until the project is finished. Every iteration has a predetermined end date and normally lasts between two and four weeks. At the conclusion of each iteration, a usable product should be ready for release.
5. Release
The item is almost prepared for sale. But first, various tests must be run by the quality assurance team to make sure the software is completely functional.
These members of the Agile team will test the program to guarantee that the code is error-free; if any potential bugs or flaws are found, the developers will take immediate action to fix them.
This phase will also include user training, which calls for greater documentation. The last iteration of the product can then be released for production once everything is finished.
6. Retirement
A product might reach the retirement phase for one of two reasons: either it is being replaced with new software or the system itself has grown dated or incompatible with the company over time. Users will initially receive notification from the program development team that the software is being decommissioned.
The users will be transferred to the new system if there is a replacement. The developers will then complete any outstanding end-of-life tasks and stop providing support for the current product. Numerous iterations are used during each phase of the Agile life cycle to improve deliverables and produce excellent results.
Common testing methods in Agile software development model
When using Agile development, tests come first. The approval criteria must be specified when creating a user narrative. This motivates user story testing and validation. It doesn’t matter if you use the Scrum, XP, or Kanban Agile test methodologies. These are frequently applied to Agile testing techniques.
1. Test-Driven Development (TDD)
- Kent Beck first used the phrase TDD in 2002.
- Tests are developed before functions under this paradigm.
- It depends on repeating a brief development cycle.
- Starts with a discussion of the tests you want to run, followed by the creation of a user story. Therefore, you begin by creating a unit test. The user story is then written.
- Finally, continue writing code until the unit test passes.
- Unit and component tests, which can be carried out using automated testing tools, are where TDD is typically used. TDD verifies that the features function correctly.
2. Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD)
- Quite similar to TDD. But ATDD starts with customer input on functionality. This type of development begins by discussing how the product will be used.
- So, you write a user acceptance test (UAT). And then you write the code until it passes the test.
- First, begins with feedback from users on functioning. The discussion of the product’s intended application is the first step in this form of development. Your user acceptability test is then created (UAT). You continue writing code till it passes the test after that.
- ATDD is typically used for acceptance tests. It verifies that the product functions as users would expect.
3. Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)
- Behavior-driven development frequently derives from TDD and ATDD. The goal of development must be connected to a business result in behavior-driven development.
- You will thus have a user story, but it must explain (in business terms) why this product is being built. Additionally, BDD includes testing as scenarios or specifications in user stories.
- Acceptance tests are also conducted using BDD. It confirms that the product’s capabilities are required for the targeted business result.
4. Exploratory testing
- Encourages testers to go with their instincts rather than stick to a predetermined course. Typically, it is manual. You take a video of your actions and store it as a test. As you continue, you determine precisely what you are testing.
- Exploratory testing is frequently used to uncover concealed dangers in products. These would be flaws that TDD’s functional tests would overlook.
5. Testing Based on Sessions
- Exploratory testing and session-based testing share certain commonalities. But session-based testing has a bit more organization.
- You begin with a mission in mind rather than figuring out what you’re testing as you go.
- Finding buried bugs in a project is another application for session-based testing.
Waterfall Model vs Agile Model in Software Development
The pros and cons of using Agile development model
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Early and continuous delivery of valuable software | There is less documentation with the Agile technique. |
| Customers are happy as features are delivered to them after each Sprint. | It might be challenging to determine the actual work needed |
| Customers can view the functional features that meet their expectations. | The risk of an ongoing project exists because features are always changing. |
| Any suggestions from customers or changes to features can be incorporated into the product’s current version. | Projects can easily fall off track |
| The business people and the engineers must engage on a daily basis while using the Agile methodology. | It can be challenging to forecast the intended outcome. |
| In this process, emphasis is placed on the product’s excellent design. | Great demand on development teams and customers |
| Changes in the requirements are all welcomed even in the later stages of the development. | Organizational culture and agile values may conflict. |
| Enhance organizational collaboration by removing barriers between departments and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration around shared objectives. | Teams may use inconsistent practices |
When should you use an Agile development model?
- When regular alterations are necessary.
- When a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce is available.
- When a customer is prepared, a software team will always meet with them.
- When a project is small in size.
Agile Model and Traditional SDLC Models in comparison
| Traditional SDLC Models | Agile Software Development Model |
| Used to develop simple software | Used to develop more complicated software |
| Testing is carried out after the development stage | The testing and development stages are carried out simultaneously |
| Follows linear structure | Follows an iterative structure |
| Less security | High security |
| Less stakeholder involvement | High stakeholder involvement |
| Fixed development model | Changeable development model |
| Lacks transparency | Full transparency |
| The plan is fixed | There is room for changes |
Conclusion
There is no denying that implementing the appropriate technology within a company has significant advantages. Not every piece of software or application you find in the store will, however, meet your demands. It is a good idea to match the software you adopt to the unique requirements and circumstances at your company. One advantage of the Agile model in software development life cycle is that it aims to increase productivity and meet customer needs.
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