Agile & Scrum

In the 1990s, lightweight software development methods emerged as alternatives to traditional heavyweight approaches like waterfall. These methods, including RAD, UP, DSDM, Scrum, Crystal Clear, XP, and FDD, laid the groundwork for what is now called agile software development. In 2001, a group of developers crafted the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, stating:
-Tools and processes are important, but it is more important to have competent people working together effectively.
-Good documentation is useful in helping people to understand how the software is built and how to use it, but the main point of development is to create software, not documentation.
-A contract is important but is no substitute for working closely with customers to discover what they need.
-A project plan is important, but it must not be too rigid to accommodate changes in technology or the environment, stakeholders’ priorities, and people’s understanding of the problem and its solution.
This manifesto led to the formation of the Agile Alliance, which advocates for agile principles and practices. Jim Highsmith, speaking on behalf of the Agile Alliance, stressed that the Agile movement seeks to restore balance in software development methodologies, embracing modeling and documentation while recognizing the limits of rigid planning in a dynamic environment.
By the way: Kanban is widely recognized as an agile method. The Eisenhower Method, primarily a decision-making tool, can also be considered part of the agile ecosystem.
Scrum
Scrum is an agile project management method primarily used in software development but now applied across various industries. It emphasizes self-organizing, cross-functional teams and transfers decision-making responsibilities to the team. Key roles include the Scrum Master, responsible for process coaching, and the Product Owner, representing the customer’s interests. Scrum events include Sprint Planning, Daily Standup, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Scrum aims to simplify feature development and adapt quickly to changing requirements. Agile principles underpin Scrum, promoting transparency, customer value, and continuous improvement. To learn Scrum, resources include books, articles, training courses, and collaboration with experienced practitioners.