Assumptions Underlying Agile Software Development Processes (1409.6610v1)

Abstract: Agile processes focus on facilitating early and fast production of working code, and are based on software development process models that support iterative, incremental development of software. Although agile methods have existed for a number of years now, answers to questions concerning the suitability of agile processes to particular software development environments are still often based on anecdotal accounts of experiences. An appreciation of the (often unstated) assumptions underlying agile processes can lead to a better understanding of the applicability of agile processes to particular situations. Agile processes are less likely to be applicable in situations in which core assumptions do not hold. This paper examines the principles and advocated practices of agile processes to identify underlying assumptions. The paper also identifies limitations that may arise from these assumptions and outlines how the limitations can be addresses by incorporating other software development techniques and practices into agile development environments.

• The paper analyzes key implicit assumptions underlying Agile software development processes to evaluate their applicability and constraints in diverse project contexts.
• Agile processes are less applicable in contexts such as distributed teams, outsourced projects, large systems, and safety-critical applications where underlying assumptions may not hold.
• The paper suggests integrating traditional methods and developing hybrid models for specific needs, highlighting the need for empirical research to better understand Agile applicability.

Analyzing Assumptions in Agile Software Development Processes

The paper "Assumptions Underlying Agile Software Development Processes" provides a detailed examination of agile methodologies, dissecting the foundational assumptions and evaluating the constraints of these frameworks within diverse software engineering scenarios. Agile processes such as Extreme Programming (XP), Scrum, and others, prioritize rapid and ongoing deployment of working software. This paper identifies implicit assumptions that form the underpinnings of agile methodologies, contributing to the evaluation of their suitability across varied developmental environments.

Principles and Underlying Assumptions

Agile methodologies emerged to cater to the accelerated needs of software deployment while prioritizing high-quality outcomes. Several principles, such as direct communication, adaptability to changing requirements, and continuous delivery of functional software, are strongholds of agile frameworks. Yet, these principles rest on tacit assumptions—cross-functionality and availability of team members, stable cost trajectories of adapting to new requirements, and the ability for self-organization within teams, among others.

A prominent discussion in the paper revolves around the "Visibility Assumption," which posits that project visibility can be established through frequent delivery of working software alone, potentially sidelining traditional documentation methods. While agile models emphasize minimal documentation, assuming that source code can stand in for comprehensive documentation, this occasionally conflicts with the necessity for detailed designs and the preservation of organizational memory.

Key Constraints and Contexts

The authors highlight that the assumptions underlying agile processes do not universally hold true. Agile is seen as less applicable in environments where:

1. Distributed Development: The reliance on consistent, co-located interactions challenges agile processes when teams and stakeholders are dispersed geographically.
2. Outsourced Projects: The lack of flexibility in subcontracted projects, where precise requirements and milestones are non-negotiable, conflicts with the agile tenet of accepting changing requirements.
3. Large and Complex Projects: The capacity of agile processes to manage extensive documentation needs and intricate dependencies without undermining structural integrity is questioned. Agile frameworks often struggle to accommodate the higher management control required in large-scale developments.
4. Safety-Critical Systems: Agile's reliance on informal testing and code-centric documentation faces challenges in environments needing rigorous evaluations, where failure risks significant harm.

Quantitative Insights and Theoretical Implications

Empirical investigations into the success and applicability of agile processes, as referenced from surveys of Extreme Programming projects, indicate a "hype phase," with a critical need for objective appraisals of success metrics. Agile frameworks, in their current form, are largely suited to rapidly evolving market demands typical of Internet-facing applications rather than the long lifecycle, complex systems found in aerospace or medical device domains.

Future Directions

The paper suggests integrating elements from traditional methodologies—meticulous documentation, detailed specifications—and conceptualizing hybrid models catering to specific project needs. Further empirical research is posited as crucial to bolster the understanding of agile methodologies, beyond anecdotal evidence, providing a more universal rubric for their application.

In summary, while agile processes offer flexible and adaptive development approaches, their suitability varies substantially based on underlying assumptions and the specific context of application. This paper provides a robust platform for examining these assumptions, encouraging ongoing adaptation and refinement to bridge the gap between agile vision and practical engineering demands.