Agile SDLC

(Software Development Life Cycle)

What is Software Development Cycle?

• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process of

maintaining or building software
applications/services/systems.

• Software Development Life Cycle is a technique that shows the

entire development process, which a software development
organization must use to guarantee a successful software
development.
Why the Software Development Cycle is
Crucial?
The SDLC is essential for several reasons:
1. Clear Structure and Organization – Framework
2. Risk Mitigation –Prevention
3. Better Resource Management – Efficiency
4. Enhanced Quality Assurance – Testing
5. Improved Communication and Collaboration– Transparency
6. Predictability and Timeliness – Consistency
7. Flexibility and Continuous Improvement – Adaptability
8. Scalability and Long-Term Maintenance – Sustainability
9. Customer Satisfaction – Quality
What is the Agile Software Development
Life Cycle (Agile SDLC)?
The Agile Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is an
iterative and incremental software development
methodology that prioritizes flexibility, collaboration,
and customer feedback. Unlike traditional SDLC models,
such as the waterfall model, which completes each step
sequentially, the agile SDLC divides the development
process into smaller iterations or increments.
Steps of Agile SDLC Model
The agile model is a combination of iterative and incremental process models. The steps involve in
agile SDLC models are:
Agile SDLC Process Flow

Concept: In concept phase vision of the project, its scope, objectives, and goals are set.
Inception: This stage is conducted before Construction. The major goal of this phase is to
complete just enough work to get your team moving in the correct direction.
Iteration/Construction: The main goal of this phase is to create a consumable solution
with enough functionality to satisfy your stakeholders’ present needs, or to configure it in
the event of a package implementation.
Release: This stage normally involves final performance testing, security assessments,
and documentation updates, as well as user acceptability testing (UAT), which ensures
that user demands are satisfied and the product is successful. When the software is
complete, it is released into production or made available to users.
Production: The Production Phase aims to keep systems viable and productive after they
have been deployed to the user population.
Agile SDLC Models
Six methods are identified as agile development methods they are following :

• Crystal Methodologies: A flexible and human-centered approach that tailors the

development process to the specific needs of the project and team size.
• Dynamic Software Development Method (DSDM): An iterative, time-boxed Agile
approach focused on delivering business solutions quickly with active user
involvement.
• Feature-Driven Development (FDD): A model that focuses on building and delivering
software incrementally, based on well-defined features that provide immediate value.
• Lean Software Development: An Agile approach derived from Lean manufacturing that
emphasizes minimizing waste and improving efficiency through continuous
improvement.
• Scrum: A framework that organizes development into short, iterative cycles called
sprints, with defined roles and regular feedback loops.
• Extreme Programming (XP): A technical-focused Agile method that emphasizes
continuous integration, pair programming, test-driven development, and high-quality
software craftsmanship.
Agile SDLC vs Traditional SDLC
Aspect Agile SDLC Traditional SDLC

Process
Iterative and incremental Sequential (waterfall-like)

Flexibility
Emphasizes adaptability to change Less adaptable to change

Requirements
Evolves throughout development Defined upfront, difficult to change mid-project

Customer involvement
Continuous feedback and collaboration Minimal involvement until end of project

Delivery
Incremental, frequent releases Single, large release at the end of the cycle

Documentation
Minimal documentation, focus on working code Extensive documentation, including requirements

Risk management
Early detection and mitigation of risks Risks addressed late in the process

Team structure
Cross-functional teams, self-organizing Siloed teams with defined roles and hierarchy

Progress measurement
Working software as primary measure Completion of phases or milestones
Advantage of Agile SDLC
Following are the Advantage of Agile SDLC:
• Responds to Change: Agile allows for changes in requirements even late in the development process, adapting to
evolving business needs and market conditions.
• Iterative Development: Features are developed in small, manageable increments, making it easier to pivot or refine
the product as necessary.
• Continuous Testing: Regular testing at each iteration helps identify and fix defects early, ensuring higher quality.
• Incremental Releases: By delivering small, functional parts of the project regularly, Agile ensures that valuable
features reach users faster.
• Frequent Feedback: Regular interaction with customers and stakeholders ensures that their needs are met and their
feedback is incorporated.
• Cross-Functional Teams: Agile promotes collaboration among diverse team members, including developers, testers,
designers, and business analysts.
• Focus on Priorities: Agile helps teams prioritize tasks that deliver the most value, reducing waste and focusing efforts
on what matters most.
• Early Issue Detection: Regular iterations and continuous integration help identify and address risks early in the
development process.
• Transparency: Agile methodologies like Scrum involve daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, providing
clear visibility into progress and challenges.
• Retrospectives: Regular reflection on processes and outcomes allows teams to identify areas for improvement and
implement changes effectively.
Disadvantage of Agile SDLC
Following are the disadvantage of Agile SDLC:
• Variable Scope: Frequent changes in requirements can make it hard to predict the final scope of the project.
• Uncertain Costs and Timeline: Iterative development means that the exact time and cost of completing the project can be
difficult to estimate upfront.
• Minimal Documentation: Agile focuses on working software over comprehensive documentation, which can lead to
insufficient documentation.
• Changing Requirements: Continuous changes can lead to scope creep, where additional features are added without
corresponding increases in time or budget.
• Training Needs: Teams unfamiliar with Agile need training to understand and effectively implement Agile practices,
which can be time-consuming.
• Continuous Integration Demands: Agile requires frequent integration of new code, which can be technically challenging
and require robust tools and practices.
• Technical Debt: Rapid development cycles can result in the accumulation of technical debt if not managed properly,
affecting future maintainability.
 Conclusion
The Agile SDLC model offers a flexible and iterative approach to software
development, promoting continuous collaboration, rapid delivery, and
responsiveness to change. This model enhances customer satisfaction
through frequent deliveries and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving
requirements. Agile SDLC is well-suited for dynamic projects where
requirements are expected to change and where early and frequent
delivery of product increments is crucial. Adopting Agile requires a cultural
shift, effective communication, and a commitment to iterative improvement,
making it a powerful tool for delivering high-quality software.
Reference
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/agile-sdlc-software-development-life-
cycle/