Chapter 2. Agile Software DevelopmentWhy It Is Hot | Extreme Programming Perspectives

Chapter 2. Agile Software Development Why It Is Hot!

Jim Highsmith

In the last year, Agile Software Development has burst upon the development scene, led by the indefatigable XP aficionados. But the Agile pot has been simmering beneath the surface for over ten years. In the past year, articles on Agile development have appeared in ComputerWorld, Software Development, IEEE Computer and Software, Cutter IT Journal, CIO, and even The Economist. I think Agile's sudden rise to fame is rooted in two things: Agile Software Development helps companies deliver valuable software in an era of constant change and turbulence; and Agile Software Development helps create a workplace culture that attracts knowledge workers in our Information Age.

The three key questions in assessing this hotly debated trend in our profession are these: What kinds of problems does agility solve best? What is agility? What are Agile Software Development Ecosystems?