What is Agile? Do I secretly use it without my knowledge? Is it common? How do I start?

Calm down, calm down, today, we are going to introduce you to the sacred Agile Methodology concept, and after reading this post you will be a proud member of the #knowers nation.

The agile technique is a manner of working that prioritizes client happiness, collaboration, and flexibility. It is often employed in the software development industry (duh), but it may be used for any project that needs a disciplined approach to planning and execution.

So, Agile is like a set of guidelines people follow while working together on a project. These guidelines were created by a group of individuals who wished to simplify working on significant projects. Working with others, ensuring that what you are making truly functions, speaking with the person you are making it for, and being prepared to adjust things if necessary were the four key points they came up with.

Let’s illustrate this approach. Imagine you have an enormous backyard and want to build a treehouse there. You have some amazing friends that decided to help you with this task. Although you have a general idea of how you want it to look, you are unsure of where to begin.

Boom! Agile can help in this situation. When adopting this technique, you divide the project into smaller, more manageable portions called “sprints” rather than attempting to plan out every last element of the treehouse from the start. So, building the foundation, erecting the walls, or adding the roof are some examples of the specific project components that are the focus of each sprint.

A team focuses on a specified set of tasks during a sprint, which is a brief period of time, usually lasting one to four weeks. These jobs are predetermined and created to provide the customer with a certain service or value. The team evaluates its accomplishments at the end of each sprint and makes preparations for the next one, keeping in mind the lessons learned.

In easier terms: you cooperate with your buddies to finish the tasks that have been assigned throughout each sprint. Along the way, challenges or adjustments must be made, but because you are working in brief sprints, you may modify and adapt your plans as necessary. Need a trapdoor or an additional window? No worries, you can add those in a later sprint.

You will evaluate your progress after each sprint and modify your plans for the following sprint in light of your findings. This enables you to keep a strong sense of direction and purpose while remaining adaptable and receptive to changes.

Let’s create a step-by-step guide to building a treehouse while using Agile methodology:

1. Sprint 1: Foundation
   First things first: we need a treehouse’s foundation. During the first sprint, together, you gather supplies, cut some wood, and ensure the foundation is safe and sound.
2. Sprint 2: Roof and Walls
   While collaborating with others, you design and build the walls and roof using the materials collected during Sprint 1
3. Sprint 3: Final Details
   Time to focus on giving the treehouse its finishing touches! Paint the walls, add windows or a door, and any extras you can think of!
4. Review and adjustments
   At the end of each sprint, you evaluate your progress and change plans for the subsequent sprint in light of your findings. So, right now, you need more windows. Let’s go!
5. Repeat
   Repeat sprints until the treehouse is finished. Because of adaptability and sensitivity to changes, Agile allows you to make them while retaining a clear sense of direction and purpose.

The Agile methodology differs from more established project management techniques like the Waterfall methodology. Using a linear approach, waterfall requires finishing each project phase before moving on to the next. Once you have entered a new phase, it may be challenging to make changes or adjustments as a result. As long as you are willing to modify your plans for the remaining sprints, you can make modifications in Agile at any point in the project.

The Agile approach stresses delivering value to consumers in condensed sprints. It is adaptable and collaborative. Agile allows teams to be adaptive and sensitive to changes while yet keeping a clear sense of direction and purpose by breaking the project down into smaller pieces and working iteratively. Agile may help you remain on schedule and accomplish your goals, whether working on a software project, a treehouse, or a blanket fort!

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