Agile Methodologies

Each of the agile methodologies has its own practices, which may be similar to other methodologies or unique. However, the members of the Agile Alliance have identified 12 uniting principles [Beck+2001].

1. Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continual delivery of valuable software.

2. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for customers' competitive advantage.

3. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference for the shorter timescale.

4. Businesspeople and developers work together daily throughout the project.

5. Build projects around motivated individuals, give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.

6. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information with and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.

7. Working software is the primary measure of progress.

8. Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.

9. Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.

10. Simplicity the art of maximizing the amount of work not done is essential.

11. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.

12. At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.