DEV Community

Cover image for The pros and cons of Agile methodology
Varsha
Varsha

Posted on • Edited on

The pros and cons of Agile methodology

These days, the methods used to develop software have changed dramatically. This is because software developers are now creating and deploying new software products for a continuous ever-evolving world. Therefore, the older extended phased-in approaches of planning, designing, building, testing, and delivering software, in these successions, are no longer considered to be essential.

With the newer agile methodologies, the software developers and company employees work with their customers to identify the specified goals. Once these goals are understood, these groups work quickly to produce the end product in the shortest delivery times. Though Agile App Development is considered to be more beneficial and productive for all involved, there are both pros and cons of agile to using this approach to developing new software.

Pros of the Agile Methodology

Faster Development

Unlike the traditional waterfall approach to software development, agile methodologies are a lot faster. Therefore, when the demand for new software is immediate, the first stage of this software can be launched within a timeframe of about 2 weeks.

Communication is a Lot Tighter

Another benefit of using this agile method for developing software is tighter control on the communication between the members of these teams. This is because all members of the team collaborate with face-to-face meetings so it is easier for everyone involved to remain on the same page. This is especially beneficial when conditions in the project change. Simply put, the chances of gaps in communication are much less and the product that is delivered is usually what the stakeholders and the end-users expect.

Trust -- Mobile App Developers, Employees and Customer Teams are Self-Organized

The Agile methodology encourages trust. Therefore, these teams are self-organized within so that they can quickly accomplish the goals and objectives that have been assigned to them. This self-organization excludes all of the hardcore rules and regulations that constrain and restrict the team from producing the desired results swiftly. Simply stated, these teams can choose whatever Mobile App Development path that they need to take in order to develop the best software product by the deadline that has been established.

KISS is a huge part of this methodology

The success of this method is dependent on several different factors, especially when adjustments are required. One of the most important involve changes that can hinder the initial deadline and the overall success of its development.

To prevent major issues in this area, KiSS is used to clear any possible obstructions to the delivery. For instance, when the team runs into unforeseen issues, the approach that they must use is to keep it simple. Instead of getting bogged down with certain complexities to reach an answer, the team can push on with a simple workaround solution to keep things in the product development moving.

Customer Satisfaction is Improved

One of the biggest advantages of using the agile method is the overall satisfaction of the customer. Since most customers like to see their software development projects worked on and delivered quickly, this agile approach is considered to be very satisfying to customers. For instance, the software product that is needed can be implemented quickly to solve some of their immediate problems and the remaining parts of these changes can be phased in at a later date. Either way, the customer is usually satisfied since they do not have to wait for several months to see the smallest results in their requests.

Cons to the Agile Method

Documentation Not the Highest Priority

Due to the fast pace of the agile method, some of the essential things in software development can get sidetracked. One of the most important is the documentation that is needed to support the development that is being done. Though this may not appear to be important in the earliest stages, this can present issues down the road. For instance, when new members are introduced to these teams, sometimes there is no supporting documentation available to ensure that they are appropriately up-to-dated.

Time-Consuming Demands

In some cases, this methodology can be time-consuming and counterproductive for all involved. Developers and customers are required to be in contact with one another more often than they desire.

Top comments (0)