Agile App Development Explained
Agile is one of the most popular methodologies for custom mobile app development and it’s easy to see why. In an industry where speed and adaptability are key to success, building an app using a framework that provides a structured yet flexible approach is key.
To help you better understand what agile app development is all about, in this article, we’re going to talk about:
- The 3 key principles of agile app development
- The benefits of agile app development
- How agile development compares to traditional development
- The 3 different agile methodologies in app development
- Best practices for successful agile app development
But before we go into any more detail on the topics above, we’d first like to explain what agile app development is.
What is Agile App Development?
In app development, agile refers to an iterative process that allows developers to build applications in smaller, more manageable increments rather than developing the entire product at once.
This approach enables continuous feedback, testing, and improvements throughout the development cycle. Agile app development also promotes flexibility, enhances collaboration among teams, and allows for quick adaptation to changing requirements and user needs, resulting in a more efficient development process.
Key Principles of Agile App Development
Agile app development is grounded in a few essential principles that ensure the process is efficient and adaptable. They include:
Iterative and Incremental Process
The first key principle of agile app development is breaking down the entire project into smaller and more manageable tasks. These are known as iterations or sprints.
Each sprint delivers a working version of the application and allows development teams to gather feedback from users and stakeholders and make adjustments as needed. This iterative approach not only makes it easier to manage changes, but also ensures a more refined product at the end.
Flexibility and Adaptability
When developing an app using the agile framework, developers are encouraged to adapt to changes throughout the development process. Whether the client introduces new features or market conditions change, the agile framework provides the flexibility to adjust without disrupting the overall development process.
Collaboration and Communication
For any app development project to be successful when using the agile framework, clear and continuous communication and collaboration between developers, users, and stakeholders is key.
Regular meetings, such as daily standups, sprint reviews, and planning sessions, keep everyone informed and ensure that the project stays on track.
Benefits of Agile App Development
There are several benefits to agile app development. Some of the biggest advantages of leveraging this methodology include:
Faster Time to Market
Bringing your application to market quicker will not only result in lower development costs but will also allow for your app to serve its purpose sooner rather than later. And if the purpose of your application is to generate additional revenue, a faster launch means you can start monetising your app and seeing a return on investment much sooner.
Improved Quality
When developing an application using the agile methodology, the product will undergo regular quality checks, which will make it more stable and reliable as the project goes on. That way, any bugs or issues will be addressed as they arise, ensuring a higher-quality product by the time it hits the market.
Better Risk Management
Since the application is developed in small and manageable increments, it’s much easier for developers and stakeholders to identify and address problems early on. And as a result of that, the chances of major issues arising later on in the project are brought to a minimum.
Enhanced Flexibility
Whether it’s adding new features or tweaking existing functionalities, one of the biggest benefits of agile app development is that it gives development teams the flexibility to respond to changes without derailing the project.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
Since agile puts a heavy emphasis on customer feedback and continuous improvement, the final product is a lot more likely to meet the client’s expectations compared to if it were developed using a more rigid and traditional approach.
Agile Development vs. Traditional Development
If you’re sitting on the fence about using the agile methodology, here is how it compares to waterfall, one of the most widely used traditional approaches in app development.
The Key Difference Between Agile and Waterfall
The key difference between the two development frameworks is that with the Waterfall approach, each phase, such as planning, design, implementation, testing, and deployment, is completed sequentially.
As a result of that, once a phase is finished, it is difficult to go back and make changes without restarting the entire process. In contrast, the agile framework embraces adaptability and continuous feedback, allowing for frequent adjustments and massively reducing the risk of costly setbacks.
Why Agile is More Suitable for App Development
Agile is often the preferred development approach for mobile applications because it allows for constant feedback and quick adjustments. This level of flexibility is especially important in today’s fast-paced tech world, where new features and requirements can emerge at any time.
Agile Methodologies in App Development
Agile offers several frameworks and methodologies, each of which is suited for different types of projects. Some of the most popular agile methodologies include:
Scrum
The Scrum framework uses short development cycles called sprints, with each sprint lasting anywhere from two to four weeks. During each sprint, the development team works collaboratively on each task and has daily meetings (scrums) where they discuss progress and find solutions to any obstacles.
Kanban
The Kanban framework focuses on visualising the workflow, giving developers a birds-eye view of what needs to be done. This provides them with the flexibility to pull tasks into the workflow if they have the capacity to handle them, making it the ideal Agile methodology for projects with evolving requirements.
Lean
The Lean methodology focuses on creating as much value as possible while minimising waste and using fewer resources. This approach is particularly beneficial when developing an app on a tighter budget or when looking to mitigate the cost of hiring app developers.
Best Practices for Successful Agile App Development
If you’re planning on leveraging the Agile methodology for your app development project, there are a number of best practices to keep in mind, including:
Regular Sprint Planning and Reviews
For agile app development to be successful, developers need to plan out their sprints in advance and review their outcomes at the end of each cycle. This helps ensure that the project stays on track.
Continuous Testing and Integration
One of the key benefits of agile development is that it allows developers to continuously test the product they’re building for bugs or other functionality issues. And taking advantage of this opportunity ensures that problems are identified and resolved early in the development process, rather than accumulating and causing major setbacks later on.
Clear Communication with Stakeholders
Unlike waterfall or another traditional approach, staying in constant communication with stakeholders is key to succeeding in agile app development. The main reason for that is because the entire methodology relies on client feedback and improvement to ensure that the project stays aligned with client expectations.
Embrace Flexibility and Change
When an application is built using the agile methodology, development teams must be prepared to embrace change, whether that’s adjusting the scope or adding new features. By staying flexible, development teams will have a much higher chance of delivering a product that meets the exact requirements of their client.
Final Thoughts
Agile app development is a powerful methodology that enhances flexibility, efficiency, and collaboration between developers and stakeholders. It ensures that mobile app projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a better understanding of agile app development, what it’s all about, and whether it’s the right approach for your app development project.
