AGILEMANIFESTO meaning and definition

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What Does Agile Manifesto Mean?

In the rapidly changing world of software development, Agile has become a buzzword that's hard to ignore. But what exactly is this phenomenon called Agile, and how did it come to be? The answer lies in the Agile Manifesto.

The Agile Manifesto is a set of principles and values that guide the Agile methodology, which was first introduced by Kent Beck, Mike Beedle, Arie van Bennekum, James Grenning, David Henderson, Robert Martin, Dennis Stevens, and Ken Schwaber in 2001. The manifesto serves as a framework for developing software and working with teams to ensure success.

The Four Core Values

At the heart of the Agile Manifesto are four core values that shape the way Agile works:

Individuals and Interactions over Processes and Tools: In traditional software development, processes and tools often take center stage. However, Agile recognizes the importance of human interaction and collaboration in driving success. This value emphasizes the need for individuals to work together effectively, rather than relying solely on rigid processes or technology.
Working Software over Comprehensive Documentation: While documentation is important, Agile acknowledges that working software is what truly matters. This value encourages teams to prioritize building functional software over creating exhaustive documentation.
Customer Collaboration over Contract Negotiation: In the past, software development often involved lengthy contract negotiations with clients who didn't fully understand their needs. The Agile Manifesto advocates for collaboration and open communication between developers and customers to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Responding to Change over Following a Plan: Traditional software development often involves creating detailed plans and sticking to them, even when circumstances change. The Agile Manifesto suggests that it's more effective to be flexible and adapt to changing requirements, rather than rigidly following a plan.

The Twelve Principles

In addition to these four core values, the Agile Manifesto outlines twelve principles that guide Agile development:

Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.
Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
Business people and developers work together daily throughout the project.
Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
The most efficient and effective method of conveying information is face-to-face conversation.
Working software is the primary measure of progress.
Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
Simplicity--the art of maximizing the amount of work not done--is essential.
The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more agile and adjusts its behavior accordingly.

Conclusion

The Agile Manifesto is a guiding framework for software development that prioritizes collaboration, flexibility, and customer satisfaction. By embracing these values and principles, developers can create software that meets changing requirements while delivering value to customers. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out in the world of Agile, understanding what the Agile Manifesto means can help you navigate this approach with confidence.

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