The Agile Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a methodology used to create and deliver software in a highly collaborative and iterative manner. Unlike traditional approaches, such as the Waterfall model, Agile emphasizes flexibility, quick delivery, and customer feedback at every stage of development. It breaks down the process into smaller, manageable units, allowing teams to adjust to changes more efficiently.
The Agile SDLC typically consists of several key phases:
- Planning: This is the foundational stage where the project’s goals, scope, and timelines are defined. It involves gathering requirements from stakeholders and setting priorities.
- Design: In this phase, developers and designers collaborate to create the architecture and overall design of the software. It’s a high-level blueprint that will guide development.
- Development: During this phase, the actual coding begins. Agile teams work in short cycles called “sprints” (usually 2–4 weeks), delivering small but functional parts of the software. This allows for continuous feedback and iterative improvements.
- Testing: Testing is integrated into each sprint, ensuring that any issues are identified and resolved early in the process. This reduces bugs and improves the quality of the software.
- Deployment: Once the software is tested, it is deployed to a live environment. In Agile, deployment can happen frequently, often after each sprint or increment of work.
- Review and Retrospective: After each sprint, the team reviews progress with stakeholders, gathers feedback, and discusses what went well and what could be improved. This ensures continuous learning and enhancement of the process.
- Maintenance: Agile also focuses on the ongoing maintenance of the software post-deployment, addressing any emerging issues or updates.
The Agile SDLC is ideal for projects that require flexibility and rapid responses to changing requirements, making it one of the most widely used methodologies in the software development industry today.