Software development industry never sleeps and its effervescence flashes up as new methods and strategies come out of the minds of its ingenious professionals. Lately, an approach known as “agile software development” has evolved that has given software development project cycle a new expression. It refers to using a group of software development methodologies with adopting cross functional collaborative teamwork for the solutions to emerge out. The term “agile software development” was coined in the year 2001 when the Agile Manifesto was formulated.

Agile development would involve planning, analyzing, designing, unit testing, coding, and final testing to be done before displaying the software to the esteemed client. The process development cycle in such a case incorporates teamwork as a crucial element throughout its length to minimize overall risk. Principally, this method focuses on delivering working software frequently and welcoming any changes in requirements later on.

The team requires a great deal of cooperation among the professionals themselves and close, frequent communication with its clients. Face-to-face communication is preferable here if the client exists in the same location. Tele-calling and video conferencing periodically are better in case the software application is to be outsourced. Whatever the case may be, there is always a need to monitor the project updates and implement changes, if any, on time.

Much focus is laid on individual interactions about the design, tools, techniques, and processes. A comprehensive documentation covering all the stages of the project is also of value so that at a later point it is easy to trace back and react for a change. Contract negotiation with the client spreads across the length of the development as any late changes are welcomed.

Businesses looking for software solutions may get impressed with this model as it would normally provide a quick software solution with short-term planning. However, recommended is to check the suitability of the agile methods for any requirement and then only proceed.