Agile Software Development

Agile software development is well-known for facilitating a collaborative culture that boosts efficiency throughout the organization. Teams get to work together while understanding their specific roles in the process. While it is essential to familiarize yourself with all the benefits of agile software development, staying informed and updated about agile software development methodologies is also vital.While numerous Agile methodologies are available, these are the five common ones used.

1. Lean Software Development

Lean is an iterative software development methodology that Mary and Tom Poppendieck originally developed. Today, lean is where it is in terms of its standards and practices, thanks to organizations like Lean Enterprise Development and Toyota. The lean methodology works on various principles, from eliminating waste to strengthening the team. That includes intensifying learning, delivering as fast as possible, building integrity, etc.

The methodology relies on fast and solid input amongst software developers and clients while underscoring the improvement work process’ speed and productivity.

2. Scrum

As a lightweight Agile framework, Scrum is popular among project managers. It helps them control all kinds of iterative and incremental projects. This methodology allows the product owner to develop a product backlog that, in turn, lets them identify and prioritize system functionality by working with their team. In this case, the product backlog refers to a list of everything a team needs to achieve to deliver a successful and working software system.

Over the years, Scrum has managed to win a vast clientele in the market. It owes this success its ability to act as a wrapper for different engineering projects. And that’s without forgetting its simplicity and demonstrated efficiency.

3. Kanban

Does your organization focus on continual delivery without overburdening the development group? Kanban is the methodology for you. It allows teams to actively manage product creation using a highly visual workflow technique.

As a result, the methodology emphasizes continuous delivery without creating additional stress in the software development lifecycle. Kanban is also common among teams that practice Lean software development.

Kanban works on three basic principles, namely;

Visualizing the workflow for the day
Limiting the amount of work in progress

Improving the workflow

4. Extreme Programming (XP)

Written initially as Kent Beck, Extreme programming has progressively grown to be a standout amongst the disputable and popular methodologies. XP is a disciplined method of delivering high-quality software products.

Plus, it delivers software products frequently (usually every one to three weeks) by advancing high client association, continuous testing, close collaboration, rapid feedback loops, and nonstop planning.

The Extreme Programming methodology is typically based on the values of feedback, courage, communication, and simplicity.

5. The Crystal Methodology

Crystal is also a standout amongst the most versatile and lightweight ways of software development. This methodology comprises Crystal Yellow, Crystal Clear, Crystal Orange, and other multiple agile methods.

Factors like framework criticality, group estimate, and undertaking needs drive Crystal’s exceptional qualities. Like other Agile Software Development Methodologies, Crystal focuses on high client association, product delivery, removing distractions, and versatility.

6. TDD

TDD, as an Agile software methodology, aims to improve software development quality by ensuring that developers focus on creating smaller units that can be independently tested. As a result, developing a product can reduce the time and effort required to make more prominent features. It also fosters collaboration among team members, as developers will only spend a little time writing long test scripts. In addition, TDD focuses on customer requirements, making adding new features more efficient and streamlined.

TDD reduces development time by reducing debugging time. However, creating the tests and production code may take longer, so it’s essential to remember that the more tests a developer writes, the longer the build will take. Nevertheless, in a study by IBM and Microsoft, developers who used TDD reduced the number of defects by 40-90%. In addition, the team spent more time finishing a project, which lowered maintenance costs.

Because TDD emphasizes writing actual code and creating unit test cases, it is a highly iterative process that involves programming, unit testing, and refactoring. As with any software development project, mistakes are bound to occur. To fix these mistakes, feedback is essential. It helps ensure that changes are made quickly and without affecting the system’s external behavior.

7. RAD

RAD Agile Software Methodologies focus on creating software with rapid application development (RAD) as the primary goal. This methodology begins by developing a prototype and scales up as feedback is received from the end users. The development process is iterative and requires close collaboration with the client. Developers and clients often communicate to measure progress, resolve issues, and increase efficiency. Active customer involvement reduces the risk of non-conformance and saves time.

While RAD emphasizes speed and efficiency, it differs from Agile, which highlights an ideal work environment. The Agile methodology emphasizes early software delivery to improve the quality of the product and minimize the time and cost of development. In addition, it allows changes in the requirements later in the process.

The rapid application development process reduces the amount of manual coding and testing, which reduces the risk of mistakes. It also improves customer satisfaction and risk management. Compared to Waterfall, RAD incorporates integrations early in the software development process. This way, stakeholders define the project’s scope and determine the goals. They also approve the requirements.

RAD Agile Software Methodologies have five core phases and steps. The first phase is the planning phase. This stage is crucial to the success of the project. It involves developers, users, and other members of the team. They discuss project objectives and potential challenges. This helps everyone evaluate the project’s goals and provide suggestions for improvement. It also helps avoid costly change orders and miscommunication.

Benefits of US Businesses Working with Nearshore Software Development Companies

The following are the top reasons US businesses prefer nearshoring when looking to work with a software development team;

There is a shared time zone as the nearshore software engineers typically work in a similar time zone to your business.
The benefit of fewer cultural and language barriers is critical because communication is vital if a company intends to accomplish a high-quality project on time.
An IT outsourcing company under a government that implements favorable policies or creates and imposes taxation laws that favor the industry significantly saves on tax.

Nearshoring gives US companies fresh approaches when hiring new talent.
Nearshoring attracts lower programming rates.
Protected Intellectual Property.