Agile Manifesto &

Principles

What is Agile?

Agile is a modern software development approach where work is done in small parts (iterations/sprints) instead of building everything at once.

 Focus:

  • Flexibility
  • Customer feedback
  • Continuous improvement

Unlike traditional methods, Agile allows changes at any stage.

Agile Manifesto defines four values and twelve principles that focus on flexible, collaborative, and continuous software development.

Agile Manifesto (2001)

The Agile Manifesto was created in 2001 by 17 software experts including:

  • Kent Beck
  • Martin Fowler
  • Robert C. Martin
  • Jeff Sutherland

 They defined 4 core values to improve software development.

4 Agile Values (With Detailed Explanation)

1. Individuals and Interactions

over Processes and Tools

 Meaning:

  • People are more important than tools or strict processes
  • Communication within the team is key

 Example:
Instead of only using tools like Jira, direct discussion between developers and testers is more effective.

4 Agile Values (With Detailed Explanation)

 

2. Working Software

over Comprehensive Documentation

 Meaning:

  1. Deliver a working product rather than spending too much time on documentation

 

Example:
A working login feature is more valuable than 100 pages of documentation.

4 Agile Values (With Detailed Explanation)

3. Customer Collaboration

over Contract Negotiation

 Meaning:

  • Continuous interaction with the client is important
  • Feedback is taken regularly

 Example:
Client reviews each sprint and suggests improvements.

4 Agile Values (With Detailed Explanation)

4. Responding to Change

over Following a Plan

 Meaning:

  • Agile welcomes changes anytime
  • Plans can be modified as per requirement

 Example:
If a bank wants to add UPI later, Agile allows easy changes.

12 Agile Principles

1️⃣ Customer Satisfaction

Deliver useful software early and continuously

 Example: Deliver login feature first instead of waiting months

 

2️⃣ Welcome Changing Requirements

Even late changes are accepted

 Agile is flexible, not rigid

 

3️⃣ Frequent Delivery

Deliver software in small parts (sprints)

 Example: Every 2 weeks

12 Agile Principles

4️⃣ Collaboration

Business & developers must work together daily

 Communication is very important

 

5️⃣ Motivated Individuals

Build teams with skilled and motivated people

 Trust your team

 

6️⃣ Face-to-Face Communication

Best communication method is direct discussion

 Faster problem solving

12 Agile Principles

7️⃣ Working Software is Progress

Progress is measured by working features

 Not by documents

 

8️⃣ Sustainable Development

Maintain a consistent work pace

 Avoid burnout

 

9️⃣ Technical Excellence

Focus on good coding and design

 Improves quality

12 Agile Principles

🔟 Simplicity

Do only what is required

 Avoid unnecessary work

 

1️⃣1️⃣ Self-Organizing Teams

Teams manage their own work

 No micromanagement

 

1️⃣2️⃣ Continuous Improvement

Teams improve regularly

 Learn from mistakes

Real-Time Example (Banking App)

Instead of building the full app:

Sprint-wise Development:

  • Sprint 1: Login feature
  • Sprint 2: Balance check
  • Sprint 3: Fund transfer
  • Sprint 4: Transaction history

 After each sprint:

  • Testing is done
  • Client gives feedback
  • Changes are implemented

Examples

FeatureAgileTraditional (Waterfall)
FlexibilityUser LoginLogin Validation
DeliveryUser LoginInvalid Login
ChangesPassword ResetForgot Password
Customer InvolvementContinuousLimited

Easy Way to Remember

Agile = Flexible + Fast + Feedback-based development

Agile Manifesto & Principles

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Agile Manifesto & Principles

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