Agile vs. Traditional Software Development Approaches

Assignment Brief

Agile Software Development Approaches VS. Traditional Software Development Approaches

When should you use which approach?

Sample Answer

Agile vs. Traditional Software Development: Choosing the Right Approach

Introduction

Software development is a constantly evolving field. Over the years, various methodologies have been created to manage and guide the process of building software. Among these, Agile and Traditional (or Waterfall) approaches are the most well-known. Each has distinct features, strengths, and limitations. This essay compares Agile and Traditional software development approaches, explaining what they are, how they differ, and most importantly, when each should be used. By understanding their applications and contexts, organisations can make better decisions to meet project goals effectively.

Understanding Agile Software Development

Agile software development is a flexible and iterative approach. It focuses on collaboration, customer feedback, and the continuous delivery of small working parts of the software. Agile was formally introduced through the Agile Manifesto in 2001, which emphasises values like individuals and interactions over processes and tools, and responding to change over following a plan (Beck et al., 2001).

Popular Agile frameworks include Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). These frameworks promote short development cycles called sprints, during which teams deliver functional features. Agile also involves daily meetings (stand-ups), sprint reviews, and a strong focus on team communication and collaboration.

Agile is particularly suited to projects with changing or unclear requirements, as it allows for regular adjustments and customer involvement throughout the process.

Understanding Traditional Software Development

Traditional development, often referred to as the Waterfall model, is a linear and structured approach. It divides the development process into distinct stages: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before the next begins.

Waterfall works best when the requirements are well-known and unlikely to change. This model is highly documented, and progress is typically easy to measure. However, one of its main limitations is the lack of flexibility. If a problem is found late in the project, going back to make changes can be costly and time-consuming.

Traditional development is common in industries like construction, defence, or government, where precision, compliance, and documentation are critical.

Key Differences Between Agile and Traditional Approaches

Agile and Traditional methodologies differ in several key ways:

These differences show that no single method is universally better, each serves different needs depending on the project`s context.

When Should You Use Agile?

Agile is ideal in situations where requirements are not fixed, the client needs to see quick results, or the project is expected to evolve. Examples include:

• Start-ups developing innovative apps or services

• Product development that needs constant testing and user feedback

• Projects with cross-functional teams that benefit from continuous collaboration

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products that release frequent updates

Agile works well when the development team and the client are in close contact and can respond quickly to changes.

Continued...