The Agile Manifesto @jean Christophe Pages

Agile Manifesto

The Agile Manifesto @jean Christophe Pages
The Agile Manifesto @jean Christophe Pages

The Agile Manifesto: A Revolution in Software Development

In February 2001, a group of 17 software development experts from different methods then called “light” met in the United States. Among these pioneers were emblematic figures such as Kent Beck (Extreme Programming), Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland (Scrum), and Ward Cunningham (inventor of the wiki).

The goal of this meeting was to find a common denominator in their respective approaches. From their discussions was born the Agile Manifesto, a founding document that defines the values ​​and principles of agile development.

The Four Core Values

To understand the impact of the Agile Manifesto, it is essential to look at its four core values:

  1. Individuals and their interactions rather than processes and tools
    Priority is given to people and their interactions, because they are the ones who add value. Indeed, tools and processes cannot replace human creativity and collaboration.
  2. Working software rather than comprehensive documentation
    Working software is the best measure of progress. While documentation is important, it should not hinder development. Thus, the focus is on delivering software that actually works.
  3. Collaboration with customers rather than contract negotiation
    Working closely with customers helps us better understand their needs and adapt the product accordingly. This approach fosters a relationship of trust and partnership.
  4. Adapting to change rather than following a plan
    The ability to adapt to changes is crucial in a constantly changing environment. Plans must be flexible to meet new requirements, ensuring better responsiveness.

The Twelve Principles

In addition to the core values, the Agile Manifesto is based on twelve principles that guide teams in their daily work:

  1. Satisfy the customer through the rapid and continuous delivery of useful software. This helps maintain a relationship of trust and respond quickly to market needs.
  2. Welcoming changes needs, even late in development. This flexibility is essential to adapt to market developments.
  3. Deliver frequently operational software, with a preference for short cycles. This allows for regular feedback and adjustments to be made to the product accordingly.
  4. Collaborate daily with users and developers. Constant communication ensures a better understanding of needs and expectations.
  5. Building projects around motivated individuals and trust them. Motivation and trust are essential drivers for project success.
  6. Prioritize face-to-face communication to transmit information. This method is often more effective than written exchanges.
  7. Measuring progress mainly by working software. Tangible deliverables are the best proof of project progress.
  8. Maintaining a sustainable pace of development for sponsors, developers and users. A balanced pace prevents burnout and maintains the quality of work.
  9. Paying continued attention to technical excellence and design. Technical quality is essential for the sustainability of the software.
  10. Simplicity – the art of maximizing the amount of undone work – is essential. Simplicity allows you to focus on the essentials and avoid unnecessary complications.
  11. Best architectures, requirements and designs emerge from self-organized teams. Team autonomy fosters innovation and efficiency.
  12. Think regularly to ways to become more effective, and then adjust and adapt one's behavior accordingly. Continuous improvement is at the heart of the Agile approach.

For businesses, adopting the values ​​and principles of the Agile Manifesto can transform the way projects are managed and delivered. By focusing on flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, teams can not only improve the quality of software produced, but also increase customer satisfaction and responsiveness to market changes. Ultimately, Agility enables the creation of more tailored and effective solutions, addressing today’s software development challenges.

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Fredy BILANDA

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