What are the pros and cons of the agile methodology?

What is the Agile Methodology?

The primary feature of Agile software development is that coding begins early, with project delivery divided into short development cycles called ‘sprints’ (typically 2–3 weeks long). Each sprint delivers working software features, allowing high-priority capabilities to be tested and deployed quickly.

User feedback and evolving business priorities guide subsequent sprints. This iterative process gives organisations the flexibility to adjust project direction based on real-world testing.

While traditional Waterfall methodology requires stakeholder involvement primarily during early specification and final testing, Agile requires consistent, ongoing collaboration between product owners and developers throughout the build.

Commercially, Agile projects are typically structured on a time-and-materials basis or budgeted around a set number of sprints.

Pros and Cons of Agile Development

Advantages

• Rapid Feature Deployment: Allows core software capabilities to be tested and used by stakeholders early in the project.
• Adaptable Scope: Readily accommodates shifting business priorities or new market requirements between sprints.
• Continuous Feedback Loop: Keeps stakeholders actively engaged, ensuring the software evolves around user needs.

Disadvantages

• Potential Architecture Revisions: Shifting project direction mid-build may require refactoring code if future requirements were not anticipated initially.
• Fluid Final Scope: Requires active scope management to ensure project budgets align with delivery goals.