Understanding Agile Methodology its Role in Application Development & Comparison with Waterfall

 Understanding Agile Methodology and Role in Web Development

The methodology is a structured project management approach or procedure for a smooth transition in a development process. In the case of all developmental procedures related to hardware or software, methodological implementation is indispensable. Thus, structured procedures lead to well-planned implementations, and iteration helps in smoother development.

Agile methodology is applied to a number of web and mobile development processes. The end result for those using Agile methodology has been very good with a higher rate of success as compared to other frameworks. Nowadays developers use a mix of quantitive and qualitative approaches in development using a number of iterations and Agile supports this approach. This leads to a better code through cross-functional teamwork adopting diverse technology stacks as and when required during the period of product development. Crossfunctional adaptations also enhance the company culture, because in a collaborative effort skills are transferred from one developer to another to build a solid technical foundation.  As a result, a strong camaraderie develops which is essential for success in the projects undertaken.

In the case of software or mobile development, using Agile, collaborative teamwork is feasible. The team comprising diverse skills and expertise can work on each component at a time for solutions. It can fall back and reverse or rectify a module without disrupting the whole project. This is the greatest benefit of using Agile which accords an iterative and incremental buildup to the project.

Iterative & Incremental  Development Process

Iteration refers to a loop where the repetition of the previously tried solution takes place. Thus, in software development, a repetition of a sequence or more than one cycle is possible in the ongoing processes. This repetition or evolutionary acquisition is described as the incremental build-up. In this process, it is possible to implement what is feasible into all the components so what is tried and tested earlier leads to a smooth transition in all the modules or phases. Unlike in other methodologies, for example, Waterfall, the client in the Agile method is involved in every stage of development. This allows the client or the owner to stress priorities or requirements with greater clarity.    

  

Agile or Waterfall?

Despite all the benefits that Agile Methodology accords 51 % of development agencies still use Waterfall. Why?

Despite able virtues, technologies and methods are used as their suitability to a specific project. The Waterfall is a popular methodology and has been tested in all verticals. The concept becomes clear at the starting points, and all the stages are well defined and time set. There are not many stakeholder interruptions, and the developers can focus on the code. There is a greater degree of prediction as the document and product features are well defined right at the beginning.

As compared with Agile, Waterfall is straightforward but then there is not much room for creativity or innovative interventions. The client should be very sure of the customization required during the development process.  Waterfall gives little room for drastic changes and adjustments and they can be costly to implement. Hence it is used when there is a budget constraint and the timely product delivery is assured. In the case of Agile, there is greater flexibility due to iterations, and changes or adjustments are possible throughout the process. Although the outcome and the period of development are unpredictable, nevertheless, the methodology has proved overwhelmingly successful.

Thus, Waterfall is used when there are strict regulatory requirements and no changes are envisaged. In this, the next stage does not commence till the previous one has been completed. This is called a linear development process.

For Agile, there should be greater organizational flexibility, and frequent owner involvement is tolerated.  The project success rate is 64% in the case of Agile and 49% in the case of Waterfall. While the latter can result in complete failure, the former can deliver part of the operations that have succeeded and thus avoid complete failure. This means operational applications are developed midway, and they can function independently.

Much depends upon the web development company to select Agile or Waterfall. Since the former is proving more successful companies are gearing up their teams to use it.