Agile Software Development Methods: Review and Analysis

TLDR

Agile software development methods promise lighter, faster, and more nimble processes for the rapidly evolving internet and mobile application markets, yet academic research remains limited compared to practitioner literature. The study aims to systematically review agile software development literature to address the scarcity of academic research. The authors define and classify agile approaches, analyze ten methods against these criteria, and compare them to highlight similarities and differences. The review identifies future research directions for agile software development.

Abstract

Agile - denoting "the quality of being agile, readiness for motion, nimbleness, activity, dexterity in motion" - software development methods are attempting to offer an answer to the eager business community asking for lighter weight along with faster and nimbler software development processes. This is especially the case with the rapidly growing and volatile Internet software industry as well as for the emerging mobile application environment. The new agile methods have evoked substantial amount of literature and debates. However, academic research on the subject is still scarce, as most of existing publications are written by practitioners or consultants. The aim of this publication is to begin filling this gap by systematically reviewing the existing literature on agile software development methodologies. This publication has three purposes. First, it proposes a definition and a classification of agile software development approaches. Second, it analyses ten software development methods that can be characterized as being "agile" against the defined criterion. Third, it compares these methods and highlights their similarities and differences. Based on this analysis, future research needs are identified and discussed.