What is the Agile model in software engineering?

The Agile model

The Agile model is a software development process that is based on the iterative development of software products. The Agile model is a type of incremental model where software is developed in a rapid incremental cycle.

The most notable feature of the Agile model is the establishment of the project scope, requirements, number, and duration of iteration at the beginning of the development process.

Iteration

A short period that lasts from one to four weeks in the Agile process model is referred to as an iteration.

Each iteration results in small incremental releases, with each release building on previous functionality. This individual release is thoroughly tested to ensure maintenance of the software quality.

With Agile, the entire project is divided into smaller parts or sprints to help reduce the overall project delivery time and minimize risks in the project.

An iteration requires a team to work through a full software development cycle, where planning, analysis, design, coding, and testing are carried out to produce a working product for a demonstration to the client.

Advantages of the Agile model

• Frequently encourages the delivery of working software.
• Adapts to changes in circumstances during the project.
• Reduces the total time spent in development.
• Constant interactions between clients, developers, and testers.
• Pays diligent attention to good design and technical excellence.

Disadvantages of the Agile model

• There may be confusion and misinterpretation at any time by different team members due to the shortage or lack of formal documents.
• It can be difficult to maintain the final project due to the lack of proper documentation.
• It is difficult to assess the effort required to produce deliverables at the beginning of the software development process.

Stages of the Agile model

The stages involved in the Agile model are as follows:

1. Gather requirements

This is the stage where important requirements of the project are defined. This stage explains the important features and plans the time and effort ahead of the project.

2. Design requirements

This stage illustrates the previously defined requirements with a user flow diagram or UML diagrams.

3. Iteration

After defining and designing the requirements, developers start working on the projects to develop a working product. All of this is done within an iteration or sprint.

4. Testing

This stage examines the product’s functionality and ensures the product does what it is designed for.

5. Deployment

This stage releases a product to the user.

6. Client feedback

This last step gathers feedback from the client after releasing the product. The team receives the feedback and implements changes if necessary.

Conclusion

The Agile model is best used when frequent changes are required and a highly qualified and experienced team is available. The implementation of the required changes costs very little because of the frequency of new increments that are produced.

Developing software products with the Agile model provides both the developer and client with more freedom of time and options than if the software product was developed more traditionally.