Why Agile Methodology is still the best for Product Development in 2021

Software development consists of various processes that contribute to putting the latest ideas to life through code, as well as managing the different task forces or departments into successfully completing their assigned sub-projects, and finally compiling all the results together to create a software for the customer. 

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While this process sounds relatively straightforward, software development also involves various methodologies or a pre-defined framework that helps make the collaboration of the teams easier to manage. One of such methodologies is the Agile Methodology. 

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What is Agile Methodology?

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Agile Methodology refers to the computational process of software development, which involves dividing the project into different phases by the teams for more convenient collaboration. In other words, it is an iterative approach to product development that refers to breaking down of the project into small, simpler phases or manageable tasks for faster completion. The methodology promotes speedy delivery of software, along with an organized division of labor and simpler evaluation of tasks, progress, feedback, and flexibility to change. 

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As compared to traditional methodologies such as Waterfall, Spiral, and RAD (Rapid Application Development), this pre-defined outline for executing and managing projects has changed the paradigm of software development. Besides 71% of USA companies depending upon Agile for efficient product development, at CognitiveClouds, we depend upon Agile methodology along with other development design principles to develop world-class custom software within a promised delivery time. We have first-hand experienced the miracles the Agile style of development has brought to our products, thus understanding why it is the best for product development in 2021.

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Why is Agile Methodology recommended for software development?

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The basis of Agile development depends on the 12 principles, which also makes it the most preferred software development framework of all time. 

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The 12 principles are as follows:

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1. Self-organizing teams generate value. 

The project is divided, allocated, and executed according to the teams. They don’t wait for their manager to decide what they are supposed to work on, which saves so much time and effort and thus is more beneficial for the software development process. 

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‍2. Simplicity 

The critical takeaway from implementing Agile methodology is that development teams focus primarily on the core task and creating value. Their primary focus is not on the paraphernalia but the need of the hour- the priority. 

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‍3. Ensure technical correctness 

Implementing Agile methodology into custom software development aims to create a product within record time, pay attention to technical errors after every iteration, and fix them as and when spotted. 

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4. Promote sustainable development

With Agile methodology, development teams can break down the processes into small phases to set up more precise goals and customer expectations. This gives way to happier employees, a stress-free work environment, and the company's steady growth. 

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5. Face-to-face collaboration is possible.

Thanks to distributed teamwork, real-time communication is encouraged to avoid delays, misunderstandings, and errors during the product development process. 

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6. Regular communication is encouraged.

Regular communication is essential when various teams develop one software in phases to keep all team members updated with the client's recent changes, business objectives, and requirements. 

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7. Faster Delivery 

With Agile Methodology, teams are divided per expertise, making the software development process faster and easier. The methodology focuses on decreasing the time lag between planning and implementation and delivering the product frequently to the customer so that there is time for working on feedback and making changes as and when required. 

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8. Consistent satisfaction 

Since iteration and working on feedback is the core basis of Agile Methodology, development teams focus on delivering a well-functioning product complete with all requests and feedback from the client. 

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9. Welcomes constant changes in the software

Development teams need to concentrate on delivering superior quality products at all stages to understand the customers' constantly changing needs and provide dynamic solutions to stay ahead of the competition. This is possible and made easy for Agile methodology followers since it welcomes changes as an opportunity to serve the client better. 

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10. Measures Progress

Agile Development involves delivering many versions of the software that are ready to be tested before deciding on the final product that meets all customer specifications. 

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11. Always efficient 

Agile is born from the philosophy of welcoming constant improvement and customer feedback to provide the best results. This ideology promises efficiency and better performance. 

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12. Motivated individuals

Agile development promotes individual empowerment and building trust among team members, and quality delivery and outcomes. This is possible with the aid of a friendly, stress-free working environment, helpful management tools, and team support. 

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Advantages of adopting Agile Methodology

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The 12 principles are the basis of the pros list while opting for Agile methodology for software development. These principles highlight the main reasons why it is the best for product development in 2021, as well as create a road map for Agile developers to maintain a stable delivery of quality customer experience and products. 

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However, besides the principles, other mainstream advantages of Agile Methodology are:

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• Flexibility: Due to regularly delivering the product in small phases, developers can adjust their priorities when needed, as per the progress of the project. The methodology gives the development teams the freedom to constantly change their processes according to their work schedule or the customer’s requirements. 

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• Low Risk of errors: Since testing is done at each stage of each phase in the development process, it is easier for developers to identify bugs and errors faster and solve them before they turn into major issues. 

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• Better communication with customers: Implementing Agile Methodology demands consistent communication of developer teams with customers to keep them in the loop about the project's progress. 

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Conclusion 

Probably the only con of developing products using agile methodology is that they require constant dedication, attention to detail, and long-term planning. 

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At CognitiveClouds, we believe that the agile methodology's cons are its advantages, which help us serve our clients better. Our teams excel at collaboration with customers while executing product development by dividing it into small phases. Reach out to us here to discuss your next project with us!

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