MOST POPULAR AGILE FRAMEWORKS

Agile is different from the traditional waterfall approach and therefore is highly responsive to feedback & change. 

Scrum is one of the most popular Agile frameworks. But, over the last few years, there are other Agile frameworks to develop products and services, creating a need to choose the one that suits you the most. As of the current day, there are many different Agile frameworks. Let us discuss a few most popular ones.

1.     Kanban:

A type of Agile framework that has originated from the Japanese language, the word ‘Kanban’ means a signboard or a visual board. The Kanban concept is connected to the Just In Time methodology. Back in the day, Kanban was primarily introduced as a Lean Manufacturing System, and then it was slowly introduced into Agile software development procedures. The Kanban framework uses visual elements for managing & developing projects.

Projects that are created with Kanban are overseen by the Kanban Board. The Kanban Board is divided into multiple columns to properly depict the process flow for the development of software.

Kanban works on the three following principles:

·       Visualizing the work that is to be performed at any given time. 

·       Creating boundaries regarding the amount of work that is to be done or completed, so that the team doesn't over-commit additional work. 

·       Boosting workflow when a specific task is about to be completed so that the next item can be added to the queue. 

2.     Scrum:

Scrum is one of the most popular Agile frameworks out there. However, unlike Kanban, Scrum focuses on breaking down a single project into multiple parts, known as 'Sprints', where only one Sprint will be planned & managed at a time. Scrum also includes unique project roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers.

Scrum generally utilizes a Scrum Board, which is like the Kanban Board, and thereby group various tasks into multiple columns based on their overall progress.

The process of the Scrum framework is as follows:

·       The Product Owner will create an estimated wish list, which will be identified as the Product Backlog.

·       The Scrum Team will take a few items from the top of the list and plans how to turn them into product Increments; thereby denote it as the Sprint Backlog.

·       The team will then work towards completing the current Sprint Backlog. The daily progress of the work will be synchronized via a meeting known as Daily Scrum.

·       The Scrum Master will be responsible for maintaining the focus of the team. 

·       At the end of each Sprint, the Increments will be reviewed, and feedback will be provided before the next Sprint is initiated. 

3.     Scrumban:

Scrumban combines Scrum and Kanban. There’s no “official” or prescriptive guide of what parts of Scrum and Kanban make up Scrumban, so it’s up to teams to pick the parts that serve them best. In Scrumban almost all teams tend to keep the Kanban board and limit the number of items in each column at any time.

Most Scrumban practitioners introduce a work cycle like Scrum’s Sprints to create rhythm, and customization happens within those cycles. Many add Retrospectives and specific roles for team members, some a daily standup meeting or a planning session at the start of each Sprint.

4.     Lean:

Most people out there tend to mistake Lean with Agile (and vice versa), but it should be known that Lean is one of the many Agile framework types. Even though both are quite similar in terms of features, they're not the same thing. Lean is an abbreviation for Lean Manufacturing, which includes a specific set of managerial principles that the Japanese developed during the 20th century so that efficiency & value can be ensured in production. On the other hand, the Agile Manifesto was created in the year 2001.

The concept of Lean was then broken down into the following set of simple principles:

·       Deliver fast.

·       Eliminate waste.

·       Have respect for people.

·       Create knowledge. Build quality.

·       Optimization.

·       Always defer commitment.

5.     XP (Extreme Programming):

Extreme Programming is one of the foremost Agile frameworks out there. In this procedure, both the Developers and customers should exhibit a high degree of participation. The customers will be responsible for inspiring additional development of a product by showcasing the most useful features, via multiple testimonials. On the other hand, the Developers will base every set of software updates according to the feedback received from the customer while also testing new innovative features every few weeks. 

It should be learned that XP has its share of benefits & drawbacks.

·       On the meritorious side, XP will always involve a higher level of collaboration along with a very minimal amount of documentation. Moreover, it's a persistent & efficient delivery model. 

·       Alternatively, when talking about the demerits of XP, it should be known that this procedure needs proper discipline and involvement from all parties, to make it successful. Additionally, XP works the best for smaller teams in general that have Developers who are highly skilled & experienced, combined with a proven track record in management & communication. 

The XP method follows the below-mentioned set of principles:

·       Simplicity.

·       Uniformity.

·       Endurance.

·       Communication.

·       Feedback.

Conclusion:

Compared to the different types of Agile frameworks mentioned above, traditional project management procedures have always been linear, making them predictable & slow. As a result, they have limitations such as slow response to market change. That’s where Agile frameworks came as a saving grace. Even though Agile project management procedures are new to the current market (compared to traditional ones), they're still highly dynamic and adaptable to market alterations. Agile has helped in shortening development timelines, enhancing productivity, and thereby empowering teams to create magnificent products.