What Is Agile SDLC: The Guide on Major Software Development Methodology in 2023

The latest technical solutions building require rapid changes that software architectures have to comply with and create high-quality software. The agile model of software development life cycle is an approach allowing to keep up with those modern conditions. Let’s begin studying this successful methodology by describing the SDLC notion and observing its main existing models.

Every successful product is started with thorough and proper planning. And within the development of software solutions, there's no exception due to the fact that this stage is a fundament and serves as a roadmap for further project accomplishment directing the development flow and impacting the quality of the final product. Thus, we may conclude that the software development lifecycle is extremely significant within the software architecture process.

One more name for the software development life cycle is the application development life cycle, which determines how the software development project happens, its process sequence of the single case, or an entire company. The SDLC is often called a framework for projecting, creation, testing, management, and delivery of ensured tech services. Using the SDLC simplifies the process of defining the current phase developers work on, which resources are necessary, and what are the following directions to fulfill the project.

Every SDLC incorporates certain development stages. In a prevalent number of cases, there are the essential six software development lifecycle phases:

• Analysis. The beginning of the project comprises assembling requirements and conducting analysis. The entire further actions in terms of the product creation are described during this stage. This stage is devoted to overcoming all uncertainties concerning the further development flow and the software details.
• Design. It’s the next step of the software development life cycle. The design concept comprises the product’s interface with all the screens, buttons, and other UI (user interface) elements. Furthermore, it determines the software business logic how smooth and seamless it operates.
• Development. Functionality implementation or scripting is the third stage of the whole SDLC. Designed elements of the software are implemented, and the source code is built.
• Testing. This phase incorporates product verification in order to detect bugs and failures in the script and fix them. The solution is accurately tested and often passes through several cycles to get rid of all the issues and make sure there are no problems left.
• Deployment. The next essential step is software launching. In other words, it refers to releasing the product, making it available for end-users.
• Maintenance. This phase is necessary to make the solution remain sought-after and keep up with the dynamic market requirements. What’s more, if users detect any problems due to the complexity, they may be hot-fixed or mended with the following scheduled update.

According to the software development team’s product creation principles, the project type, and its complexity, there are several SDLC methodologies to adopt, comprising but not limited to Waterfall, Iterative, Spiral, and SDLC life cycle Agile models.

Every SDLC methodology can be described as adaptive or predictive. The Agile model in SDLC relates to the adaptive group, whereas Waterfall, V-shaped, Iterative, and Spiral methodologies refer to the predictive model. Each of them is suitable for specific cases allowing to comply with a row of development requirements and satisfy users’ needs. Let’s observe the described models, including the Agile development cycle diagram as well:

Agile SDLC methodology is an approach allowing to organize a project by dividing it into multiple stages. It implies continuous partnership with stakeholders and regular enhancements at every phase. Currently, it is one of the most widely-used software development models.

In 2001 the Agile software development cycle and its methodologies were invented and started to be applied. Seventeen software creators released the Agile Manifesto that described the principles and values of Agile most successful practices, which will be covered in this article a little bit later.

Ensured flexibility is the primary benefit of the Agile development life cycle due to its main concept-product creation accomplished by small, short stages. The model is created with continuous iterations of solutions that enable teams to make edits and upgrades regularly. Every upgraded version in the Agile development cycle is a fundament for the following one.

Comparing the SDLC Agile model to the traditional approach, the latter needs a thorough description of all the needs that might arise during the development flow and precise design details so that all those aspects comply with initial requirements. Thus, the time-to-market is increased, as the project should have inflexible requirements from the first stage.

In contrast, when working with SDLC methodologies Agile, a team defines the scope of essential alterations and completes steps like analysis, design, implementation, and testing. Thus, specialists integrate moderate changes into the solution with no need to release the one scale update. Agile SDLC phases are called sprints and may last from about two weeks to one month.

The process stages remain identical yet, providing more flexibility. Agile system development lifecycle involves steps like the concept, inception, iteration, deployment, support, and retirement. The described methodology is created to ensure continuous software deliverables, regular product enhancements, instant updates, and quicker implementation.

The indispensable two approaches of SDLC Agile are iterative and incremental:

• Using incremental implementation, the product is built by components with no strict and defined requirements needed. Extended features and functionality are based on the ready-made ones. Software development lifecycle Agile is a way to rapidly create a minimum viable product (MVP).
• An iterative methodology refers to the development of new solutions within refinements. When the MVP is created, the software is enhanced with newer features and a great diversity of instruments. As a result, with the Agile life cycle, the development team is able to contemporaneously create diverse solution parts and make alterations efficiently.

We are able to choose from a wide range of Agile methodology SDLC variations. To illustrate, Scrum, Kanban, Scrumban, Extreme Programming (XP), Feature Driven Development, and Lean Software Development. Yet, all of them have a joint target, which is simplified, rapid adaptation to alterations, and faster project completion.

Due to the fact that the Agile SDLC process is frequently compared to the Waterfall model, we’ve prepared a detailed studying of those two methodologies below:

Pros

• Flexibility to comply with adaptive market and user requirements
• The space for a creative problem-solving approach
• Optimized resource allocation
• Regular updates and higher client satisfaction
• Rigid cadence, deadline adaptiveness

Cons

• Obscure planning may result in the unforeseen final result
• Receptive to a lack of concentration and responsive reactions within sprints
• Unremitting pace
• Inaccurate testing takes a chance in releasing a product with bugs

Pros

• Reduced “scope creep”
• A final software meeting all the requirements
• Easier dividing of roles and responsibilities
• More seldom updates accurately rolled out and provided to the market
• Set project plans and deadlines

Cons

• No flexibility when the specification document is ready
• Fewer opportunities to implement changes
• No sticking to innovations appearing on the market
• Too much time for bugs detection as testing is conducted only when the entire project is accomplished
• The change operation process is bureaucratic

The Agile methodology process flow is more spread than the Waterfall nowadays. Nonetheless, the first methodology is suitable for small teams and startups engaging fewer teammates in projects. As client requirements meeting is the primary aim for developers, the Agile development cycle ensures flexibility to comply with dynamic needs. In case the project comprises set deadlines, stable requirements, and a limited budget, the Waterfall methodology is the beneficial option to adopt.

To explain the Agile software development life cycle model and its difference between the Waterfall one, let’s compare those two approaches at the illustration below:

It’s time to explore the details of the Agile model in SDLC, its principles, and concept.

It is the primary document forming the values and principles of the Agile software cycle, created in February 2001 during the assembly of 17 independent specialists in various programming techniques, naming themselves the "Agile Alliance.”

Agile manifesto content is translated to more than 50 languages and comprises 4 values and 12 principles. Here’s the citation of them:

Values

• People and interaction are more significant than processes and instruments.
• Operating software is more important than thorough documentation.
• Partnership with clients is more prioritized than agreeing on the contract terms.
• Positive perception of changes is more significant than complying with the initial plan.

Basic principles

• Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
• Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.
• Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
• Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
• Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
• The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
• Working software is the primary measure of progress.
• Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
• Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
• Simplicity— the art of maximizing the amount of work not done— is essential.
• The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
• At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.

Let’s observe the Agile software development phases, as they also have certain peculiarities:

During this software development cycle Agile stage, a client provides the details concerning his project to define the project scale. In case the aim is to create several projects simultaneously, they should be put in priority. A future product owner should also prepare fundamental requirements comprising the functionality, features, and gather all the essential documentation for proper structuring.

The Agile life cycle model begins with minimal requirements needed as there’s an opportunity to widen them despite the current phase. In this initial step, if the team is already gathered, developers are also able to conduct approximate calculations concerning the final costs, set deadlines, assess risks, and gather all these details in an Agile SDLC process document.

After defining the essential product requirements and preparing Agile SDLC documentation, a project owner should choose suitable specialists with relevant expertise. When it comes to hiring options, there are three main options:

A striking example of outsourcing benefice is companies from Central Europe, in particular, Estonia. Due to the optimal rates and the highest technical expertise level specialists from this region help customers to cut down software development costs with the remaining top quality of the final product.

According to SDLC and Agile methodology, the chosen team can proceed to the design creation. Specialists will build a UI mockup which is a layout and placement of all the design components of the solution. During the inception phase in SDLC and Agile development, the stakeholders are usually engaged to define and provide more details on the requirements and clarify the functionality of the future software. Frequent reports will show that all the needs and requirements are followed during the design process.

The following Agile cycle model phase is iteration, called construction as well. Commonly, this stage takes the most time in comparison to the other Agile model phases, due to the fact that the major scope of work is fulfilled here. The programmers cooperate with UX designers to comply with all the software requirements and customer needs, converting the design into the script. The developers create essential solution functionality within the first iteration or sprint. Due to Agile development SDLC, extra features and tweaks may be implemented in the following iterations. The phase allows tech specialists to create operating digital products rapidly and refine them to deliver an enhanced user experience.

The software is almost ready for deployment. However, prior to launching, the SDLC life cycle in Agile requires quality assurance engineers to conduct certain tests to verify the software operation and make sure there are no bugs, flaws, or failures. In case any issues are detected, the solution has to be fixed by developers. If the script is clean, it’s time to complete the release stage of the Agile project life cycle model. User training is also an indispensable process of this stage.

Here, the product is deployed and may be tested by the first users. In the SDLC using Agile methodology, this stage refers to the software support and enhancement from the developers’ side to keep it working seamlessly and flawlessly. In case there are any product running problems, they are fixed in this Agile software development lifecycle phase. Furthermore, the team can help with the user onboarding process to acquaint them with all the opportunities provided by the software. Then, new iterations can take place due to the Agile software cycle to upgrade the functionality of the existing product.

Retirement is one more stage among the SDLC Agile model phases, which is conditioned by the two main reasons:

• The solution is substituted by the new product
• The software has become outdated

The software development team will inform the users that the product is obsolete and has stopped operating. In case there’s a brand-new solution available, clients will be asked to move to the new one. Lastly, specialists fulfill further end-of-life tasks to stop the support of the older software and finish all SDLC Agile phases.

All Agile SDLC model phases comprise multiple iterations to enhance the quality of deliverables and provide a top-class solution. In a nutshell, these iterations are smaller cycles in the overarching Agile life cycle. Here’s how the iterations happen:

The workflow of iterations in an Agile life cycle model commonly involves five stages:

• Planning
• Requirements analysis
• Software architecture
• Quality Assurance testing
• Deliver iteration

The Agile SDLC life cycle is a fundamental model for software development teams, allowing them to follow the planned directions as the software goes through its lifecycle from concept to retirement.

Due to the high flexibility level of the Agile methodology software development life cycle, its model is equally well suited to startups, innovative projects, as well as already established ones, like large-scale businesses and enormous corporations. In order to implement Agile SDLC process flow into your business, you may check the hints described below:

The fundamental step to take in terms of the SDLC Agile method transition is to notify and train your development team in the new architecture approach. To start the integration, you may find an illustration of the Agile model in SDLC with examples to share and describe it with your team so that they are aware of the basics.

Besides, it concerns not only tech specialists, managers, and other company members. Your customer base and other stakeholders should be informed that your team has moved to the leverage of SDLC in Agile model. Continuous partnership with your stakeholders is a significant point within the life cycle of Agile methodology, so they should also be notified.

Before migrating to the Agile life cycle model, the team and you should precisely study its manifesto for further application in the internal business workflow. Bring this topic to team meetings to discuss the company’s values, changes in them, and further methodology for developing follow-up projects together.

To illustrate, your employees and managers have to adapt to the SDLC Agile methodologies where they are aware of all the project details from its beginning. Mind that the transition process requires patience, as concentrating on the general plan and overall requirements may be unaccustomed for your development team.

Why is this process worth it? Experienced software development teams with adopted Agile and SDLC approaches reach their project targets 21% more regularly than inexperienced ones.

Agile methodology in the software development life cycle will become a profitable and efficient approach if you choose the suitable framework for your team according to its workflow, scale, project complexity, requirements, targets, and needs. Here are the 7 most used frameworks for completing software development life cycles, including Agile development to pick from:

In case your goal is to apply the primary advantages of the SDLC process in Agile, such as rapidity and flexibility within the moderate scale, you should go for Scrum.

Kanban is an excellent choice for the teams who want to apply phases of SDLC in Agile and have already worked with boards. What’s more, ScrumBan, which is a combination of Scrum and Kanban, is nowadays gaining momentum in its popularity and usability.

The Agile software delivery lifecycle framework like SAFe is an efficient way to track and control the development flow of numerous solutions at scale.

The further tactics refer to Scrum projects built with SDLC for Agile. You should cooperate with stakeholders to build a backlog of potential functionality and essential user stories for the software.

Arrange a meeting with the entire developers’ team and review all the functional elements, features, stories, and bugs in your backlog. Together, you should decide which ones are more significant to fulfill in the following project sprint.

When the tasks are properly prioritized, and the team is aware of the approximate deadlines, you are able to optimize the software Agile development life cycle completion.

The daily team communication allows successfully accomplishing phases of Agile model in software engineering.

There are the three main questions to discuss to help the team keep up with the responsibilities fulfillment:

• What did you do yesterday?
• What are you planning to do today?
• Are there any challenges or stoppers in your tasks?

After finishing the sprint, the software should be tested and reviewed by the most significant stakeholders.

In case they approve of the completed alterations, the sprint is accomplished thriving, and developers can proceed to architecting new features and user stories. If the sprint is rejected, specialists are required to refine the edits during the upcoming sprint.

At the end of the sprint, it's worth taking some kind of inventory. Examine the elements that have been improved, and assess the impact of the results of the last completed sprint on your future priorities for upcoming work.

The SDLC meaning in Agile is that the completed last sprint is not the final one. Following this methodology, the software solution undergoes continuous enhancements until you reach a full-fledged version that meets all your customers' needs.

Just like with any other changes, integrating SDLC in Agile into your project may be a challenging process. The list below indicates four basic actions to take in case you want to adopt this methodology very soon :

• Daily meetings. As it was mentioned above daily meetings are useful for leading open conversations, checking the responsibilities completion, and optimizing the workflow on each iteration
• Live demonstrations. It means sharing the screen to display the progress of SDLC phases in Agile
• Sharing feedback. Gather rates and reviews from stakeholders and users to analyze and negotiate them with specialists
• Sticking to Agile. Implement alterations according to the Agile SDLC diagram and the clients’ feedback to make sure that each iteration refines the software

Cleveroad is a software development company with proven in-depth experience with headquarters in Central Europe, Estonia. Our competence involves helping startups and businesses of all sizes acquire cutting-edge technologies since 2011. We specialize in ensuring a diversity of IT-related services and custom-built software solutions.

The Agile development lifecycle is our main approach, as products created with this methodology boost workflow efficiency, solve business problems, and help to gain competitive advantages.

By cooperating with us, our clients receive a row of the following benefits:

• We strongly believe that honesty with customers, partners, and teammates is a key point to building top-notch products
• Our SDLC maximally complies with the principles of Agile, the realities of today, and provides customers with high-quality software in the shortest possible time
• Cleveroad offers the three flexible partnership models: dedicated team, fixed price, time & materials
• A team of high-qualified and certified QA engineers participating in the qualitative product creation for you
• Substantial experience in software development across a range of demanded domains, like FinTech, Healthcare, and Retail

The Agile system development life cycle model is the more efficient, the higher the professionalism level of the software development team is. The software architecture approach described in this article in the hands of experienced specialists will help create a successful and high-quality software solution. So to build a flawless and profitable product leveraging the Agile method in SDLC, you should apply to a credible vendor with proven tech expertise to get the most out of the methodology.