Specific Iterative Evolutionary Methods

Specific Iterative & Evolutionary Methods

Specific agile methods are summarized in the next chapter. This section mentions some iterative methods (Evo and UP) that predate most agile methods; they may or may not be considered agile.

Of all the methods mentioned in this book (Scrum, XP, Evo, UP, OPEN, DSDM, ...) the UP or its variation the Rational Unified Process (RUP) is perhaps the most widely used. It is found in thousands or tens of thousands of development organizations worldwide. This does not mean it is well applied or well understood.

Evo

Evo was perhaps the first iterative and evolutionary method, starting in the 1960s. Evo recommends short 1 2 week iterations, and uniquely, evolutionary delivery each iteration. Evo adaptively plans iterations by highest value-to-cost ratio, and strongly promotes the unambiguous definition of quality requirements (such as load) with quantified and measurable statements.

Evo details

Unified Process

The UP or RUP, first developed in the mid-1990s, brings together the knowledge of many experienced large-system architects and process-leaders at Rational Corp., and their customers, into a well-defined IID method. One key UP theme is risk-driven development in the early iterations, focusing on creation of the core architecture and driving down the high risks. The UP also includes the definition of common project workproducts, such as the Vision, Software Architecture Document, and Risk List.

UP details

Other Methods

In addition to UP and Evo, other IID methods include:

• The Microsoft Solutions Framework process, available from Microsoft Education. It is a description of best practices used by Microsoft.

• The OPEN process from Henderson-Sellers, Firesmith, and Graham [FH01].

• WinWin Spiral Model and MBASE Spiral Model from Barry Boehm (creator in the 1980s of the well-known iterative Spiral Model) and colleagues [BEKPSM98], [BP01].