By IT Brew Staff
less than 3 min read
Definition:
Agile takes an iterative approach to project management. In general, it consists of breaking down a project (such as an app or a major software feature) into discrete elements, then tasking a team with building that element within a distinct block of time, known as a sprint. Once the sprint is complete, the team will demonstrate what they’ve built, solicit feedback from a manager and the larger group, and then use that information to plan the next sprint.
In theory, agile allows teams to react quickly to changing marketplace conditions and customer feedback. Since its creation in 2001 (with the release of the Agile Manifesto), a number of different agile methodologies have emerged to help successfully integrate the agile philosophy into actual workflows; for example, many software development teams embrace Scrum methodology, which has a specific system of feedback loops and team collaboration, with an eye toward breaking down complex projects into easier-to-handle components.
While agile allows teams a higher degree of flexibility, it also comes with some drawbacks, including difficulties with scaling; for example, it can prove difficult to manage sprints for huge projects with lots of team members and deliverables. The speed of sprints can also translate into outdated or incomplete documentation. For many teams, however, embracing an agile methodology has proven crucial to successfully building out software and services.
