With a tremendous change in mobile technology, smartphones and mobile apps are ruling our lives. Calling is not the sole purpose of mobiles anymore. Every small and large business is going mobile by leveraging the benefits of video calling apps, messengers, social media apps and cloud-based apps.
It is essential to regularly update the mobile apps to fit in the changing needs of the users and the businesses today. Innovation is a must to keep up with the recent trends of the markets and sustain the competitive edge. However, being a complex task, mobile application development requires integration of a range of features to make it a success.
Agile software development is recognized worldwide as an excellent framework for mobile app development. We aim to guide the technology and non-technology professionals into the agile world through this post. The guide will help developers and testers understand the agile SCRUM methodology for software development and testing.
The guide will take you through the agile journey in a step-by-step manner to help you understand the principle underlying agile and its need in the software development industry. Learn about the advantages and challenges of Agile methodology and how to apply agile and scrum learning to work.
Introduction to Agile
Agile is a software development framework and a technology that is widely used across the globe for mobile app development. The birth of agile software development was to overcome the drawbacks of the cumbersome waterfall techniques.
The existing waterfall techniques failed to provide feedback for the product until it was finally ready to be delivered. Unlike waterfall, methodology allows course correction and the customer to view the progress of the mobile app.
Agile is an incredible solution to the demerits of existing techniques as it gives the developer a scope for constant feedback from the end user. It is highly beneficial for the organization because the cost of rework is too high and agile development eliminates such a waste of time, money and efforts.
What Exactly is Agile Software Development?
Agile software development is a set of rules that allow continuous iteration of development and testing of the product for making continuous deliveries. The agile application promotes adaptability, flexibility and encourages communication due to which a team can work with greater efficiency and improve throughout the process.
Agile development methodology is not only easy to apply but also caters to all the needs of the software development industry. It is easy because of the methodology that divides a complex task into a series of small tasks for the development team. Each team member can work on the respective task as per their expertise. Unlike the large projects, the small projects decrease the development time.
Agile does not have a set of rules or processes and tools. It does not follow a plan or have comprehensive documentation. Instead, agile comprises of interactions between developers, customer collaborations, negotiations and natural responses to change.
Why is Agile Methodology Used for Mobile App D?
Mobile app development is quite a complex task where the customer¡¯s demands keep changing from time to time. The complexity is due to the difference in software, hardware, and different networks. Further, there are diverse ways a user interacts with smartphones. Hence, there is a need for an iterative and flexible approach to come up with effective planning, involve customers, consider their needs, for regular evaluation, and risk management. This is possible by implementing the agile methodology ¨C an approach useful for a complex process where the customer¡¯s requirements change from time to time.
The agile testing methodology comprises of various methods including:
- SCRUM, crystal methodologies
- DSDM (Dynamic Software Development Method)
- Feature driven development (FDD)
- Lean software development
- Extreme Programming (XP)
All the above methodologies focus on lean software development and help the developers work efficiently and effectively. These methods help apply agile into action and open scope for process improvement. However, this post primarily deals with the agile SCRUM methodology in mobile app development.
What is SCRUM?
SCRUM methodology is initiated by the SCRUM master whose role is to set up a team, sprint meetings and remove any obstacles to the progress of the project. The next step is the product owner creating the product backlog, prioritizing and responsibly delivering the functionality at each iteration. Lastly, the SCRUM team manages and organizes its work to complete the cycle (Refer SCRUM development cycle).
The methodology is effective in monitoring the progress of the project and detecting any errors based on the knowledge gained from past mistakes when it was difficult to define the requirements of the project.
In short, when the project is in progress, SCRUM allows to check and resolve any difficulties as soon as they are identified. Hence, one can take immediate corrective action while discussing over frequent meetings. The benefit of the SCRUM methodology is to take action as per the change in the requirement.
We have learned about the basic manifesto of agile software development and have discussed the difference between the agile and its superiority over traditional waterfall methods.
Agile Development Cycle
Agile development cycle starts with the agile process flow that involves:
- Developing concept: envisioning and prioritizing the product
- Inception: identifying the team members, funding and discussing the initial requirements and environments
- Iteration/construction: developers develop working software as per the feedback and iteration requirements
- Release: an iteration is released into production after quality testing and proper documentation
- Production: ongoing support of the software
- Retirement: end of software development along with customer notification and migration
Read More:https://mobisoftinfotech.com/resources/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-agile-software-development
