Application development is now a field that is widely spread and even today, there are companies cropping up to achieve this very feat. It isn’t easy though and requires a specialized set of skills and tools that aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. There have been various methodologies adopted for app development such as the Waterfall model and other such methods.
It was discovered that by using such methods, the development teams lacked clarity about the process and these reflected in the final product. Therefore, after extensive trial and error, most app development companies have settled on the method of Agile Mobile App Development.
The image below shows the humongous size of the Agile methodology tools market in million U.S. Dollars. The year of 2017 seemed to have peaked in this arena. This proves the number of converts and loyalists to the agile methodology among the total number of app development companies.
It is considered as the concept of quick delivery of projects but there is so much more to it. It ensures mobile app responsiveness and overall growth and agility of the business. Basically, it guarantees revenue within a shorter period of time.
Now, a layman may not be entirely familiar with the significance of this topic or rather, even what the Agile methodology of app development is. Therefore, let??s delve a little deeper into the subject:
What is Agile Mobile App Development?
The term Agility?? refers to the ability to move quickly and easily or the ability to comprehend quickly. When applied to the process of app development, Agile Methodology comprises of segregating the entire application development lifecycle into different distinctive errands. These errands are then further broken into sub-tasks and each sub-task then exists as an independent module. Each one of these modules is then transferred to a specialized team who treat it as a completely separate project.
Thus, this is a form of parallel processing where different teams handling different modules can work simultaneously and all of them are working to serve one ultimate goal, which is, development of one application. It might seem long and complex but it actually eases the workflow and reduces the time of delivery to the customer.
The picture below depicts the working of an organization that follows a typical agile method of app development:
Source: Magneto IT Solutions (https://magnetoitsolutions.com)
Types of Agile Development methods
1) Lean Development
This is one of the most commonly used methods under Agile because of its risk management qualities. It also gives the organization an edge over the competition.
2) Adaptive Software Development
The prerequisites for using this type of agile method is when the project has to change requirements. The name itself implies that this method enables adaptability. It is strictly meant for projects that are of a short time span.
3) Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
This method deals with a concept in which each step of the process is completed before moving on to the next stage of development. A fully functioning system can be delivered within a short period using this method.
4) Feature Driven Development
It is a model-driven methodology under the Agile umbrella. In the beginning, a model is designed specifying the features of the application.
5) Crystal Methods
There are specific app properties are this method of agile focuses on. These properties are frequent releases and delivery, close communication, automated tests and continuous integration. This kind of a method is best suited to apps pertaining to talents, skills, people, communication and other such qualities.
6) Extreme Programming
Under extreme programming, documentation or other factors are not given precedence. The importance remains on the app project and it helps new developers join the team.
Why Agile?
The following are some reasons why the Agile app development methodology is considered the most trustworthy among them all:
1) Quick ROI
One word that defines the agile development methodology is iterative. Using this quality, features of the app are developed and released in quick succession. In comparison to the waterfall development model, this is a huge bonus. In the former, there is no way of knowing if there is any significant return on investment until and unless the app project is completed. In the agile methodology, the ROIs can be gauged early in the development process. The investor stays in constant contact with the scrum master in order to prioritize the primary features and earn revenue out of them.
2) Lesser chances of risks
There are various risks that are involved in an app development process such as timeline extension, lack of priority features, budget cuts etc. These are risks that were handled poorly by the waterfall model of development.
The agile methodology believes in a parallel processing kind of work culture. Thus, it enables work to continue even if these risks are faced. One component will tackle any failure or problems faced while the other modules are under work simultaneously. There is also a certain level of transparency in the scrum process of Agile app development methodology thus allowing the team to track any issues during any stage of development.
3) The final product is of good quality
What a client is concerned with in this entire scenario is the final product. They will not be majorly involved or concerned about the kind of development process used as long as the final product of the process is of high quality as per industry standards.
The agile methodology uses collateral testing, which enables testing of the app in real time such that the quality of specific parts of the app can be improved.
4) Agility in Business
With the sheer number of mobile apps available in the current era of digitization, the competition for every app development company is fierce. But the concept of customer or user churn in case of these apps creates a large amount of uncertainty in the business of apps. This is where agile development methodology plays a role. They enable a firm to adapt to the changing business conditions no matter how adverse the situation becomes. The firm is able to thrive even in varying business and user trends irrespective of the stage of development. There is a large amount of flexibility in working and thus the company using this methodology stands out in the market.
5) The productivity of workers is greater
The agile methodology of app development follows a sprint-based approach. This removes any unnecessarily detailed and long discussions about the delivery of app features. There are less talk and more action. Collaboration between the different teams in the development process also increases productivity and all the developers also strive towards the team goals with accountability. The amount of transparency ensures that the scrum master is able to measure the real-time work of the teams and every individual in a team.
Author Bio:
Nitesh Behani, a creative and passionate mobile application enthusiast helps companies with Industry-specific solutions on Mobile Application, AI, IOT, ChatBots, FinTech, Real Estate and more. He is a co-founder of Magneto IT Solutions, a leading Mobile app development company in USA, India & UAE.
