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Five ways to kill Agile development adoption and projects
Agile development veterans cite the most common mistakes they see being made in Agile adoption and implementation. Feature
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Agile problem areas that pain developers and testers
Developers and testers find problems with Agile including required meetings, inadequate documentation and issues related to short iterations. Feature
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Agile development: What’s behind the backlash against Agile?
Learn the reasons why some software pros hate Agile, based on interviews with Agile coaches, consultants, software testers and development veterans. Feature
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Agile Development Practices West: 2011 conference coverage from SearchSoftwareQuality.com
The 2011 Agile Development Practices conference was held June 5-10 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. SSQ editors and contributors deliver a wide range of coverage about the excellent learning options, presentations on cutting-edge technologies and tre... Report
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STAREAST 2011: News and interviews from SearchSoftwareQuality.com
SSQ editors and contributors attended this conference May 1-6, and offer insight into the latest innovations in software testing. Check here for stories, tips, interviews and videos featuring many of the industry's greatest thinkers. Report
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Excelling in Agile software development, testing and quality tutorial
This new Agile development, testing and quality assurance tutorial delivers the latest in expert how-tos and trends analysis, as well as best practice guides and waterfall versus Agile debates. Both recent Agile development adopters and long-time Agi... Learning Guide
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Accelerating businesses with agile development
Want to become a better leader in agile development projects? This chapter from Stand Back And Deliver, will teach you excellent approaches to everyday programming issues. Book Chapter
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Agile software development tutorial: Agile testing
In this section of our agile tutorial, learn how to be a successful software tester in an agile environment, from tips on agile test development to exploratory testing techniques. Tutorial
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Agile software development tutorial: Agile requirements gathering
In this section of our agile development tutorial, learn tips and techniques for defining and gathering requirements in an agile environment. Tutorial
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Agile software development tutorial: Agile project management, tools
In this section of our agile tutorial, learn tips for successful agile project management as well as how to choose the right agile tools, from requirements management to bug tracking to unit testing tools. Tutorial
- See More: Essential Knowledge on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
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Software testers on Agile teams shift to exploratory testing and code quality
Find out what authors of "Essential Skills for the Agile Developer: A Guide to Better Programming and Design" feel is the new role of the tester and why this role continues to be essential. News | 07 Feb 2012
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Agile development: Essential skills for the Agile developer
Find out some very specific tips about practices and techniques that are necessary in Agile development. News | 07 Feb 2012
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Lifecycle virtualization expedites Agile testing and ALM
In this story, SSQ’s Yvette Francino explores how lifecycle virtualization ties in with continuous integration and modern ALM. CIOs and other decision makers will learn what analysts are saying about the next level of virtualization in their organiza... News | 12 Jan 2012
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Collaboration, discipline and software quality: Wisdom from Uncle Bob Martin
In this second of a two-part interview with renowned software development expert “Uncle Bob” Martin, we hear more of his thoughts on collaboration, discipline and measuring quality. News | 03 Jan 2012
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The practical side of Agile Testing Days: Insights for software testing
In this second of a two-part series about Agile Testing Days in Potsdam, Germany, Agile expert Lisa Crispin continues her account of the conference, describing some of the more practical and technical sessions. News | 02 Dec 2011
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International conference coverage: The people side of Agile Testing Days
Agile expert Lisa Crispin comes home inspired from Agile Testing Days in Potsdam, Germany. In this first part of a two-part series, Crispin summarizes sessions relating to teaming, learning and stepping out of your comfort zone. News | 02 Dec 2011
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Agile is a culture, not a process
Many people think of “Agile” as a methodology such as Scrum, and compare it to a Waterfall style of software development. However, Ken Howard and Barry Rogers explain in their book that Agile is a culture, not a process. In this second part of a two-... News | 14 Nov 2011
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Agile Manifesto interpretations: The importance of individuals and interactions
Couched in terms of Agile development, Howard and Rogers explore the importance of strong leadership, communication, collaboration and teamwork using techniques such as self-directed teams and DISC analysis to understand communication styles in their... News | 14 Nov 2011
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Changes in the way we measure software quality
Over the years, the way we have developed software has changed, and thus the way we measure software quality has changed. In this third of our three-part interview with Capers Jones and Olivier Bonsignour, co-authors of “The Economics of Software Qua... News | 02 Nov 2011
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Software quality attributes and their rankings
How much do Agile techniques, Agile methodologies, automation, certifications, and a formal QA team affect quality? In this second part of a three-part interview, we explore some of the 121 software attributes ranked by quality value. News | 02 Nov 2011
- See More: News on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
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Agile testing quadrants: Guiding managers and teams in test strategies
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains the four Agile testing quadrants and how they can guide managers and development teams in creating a test strategy. Tip
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Scrum vs. Kanban: Comparing new approaches in software development
In this tip, we talk about the differences in Scrum and Kanban, comparing and contrasting these two approaches used in software development. Tip
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Wikis for Agile ALM collaboration
In this tip, SSQ contributor Chris McMahan describes step by step how tags can be used in wikis to manage Agile user stories from conception through deployment. Tip
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Social media: How savvy businesses are capitalizing on collaborative tools
In this article, industry experts offer their insights into how businesses can capitalize on the many uses of social media and collaborative tools. Tip
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Agile software development: Issue tracking solutions that allow for transparency
What are the best tools to track issues? In this tip, SSQ contributor Chris McMahon explains the importance of understanding workflow and offers up three issue tracking solutions, particularly for large or distributed Agile teams. Tip
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How to use the cloud for improved Agile testing
In this article, Francis Miers explains the many benefits of using the cloud in Agile testing to reduce costs, foster stronger team communication and simplify test management of a dispersed team. Tip
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Strategies for scaling Agile beyond simple code-and-deploy environments
In this tip, consultant Michael Kelly shares some models and strategies that will help teams stay Agile as projects grow. Tip
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Performance testing in the Agile enterprise
Fitting performance testing into an existing or transitioning Agile enterprise is not easy. In this tip, software performance expert Scott Barber explains the challenges associated with performance testing in Agile environments and describes three ap... Tip
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Change management: Agile adoption with knowledge, attitude and action
Read this tip for advice from SSQ Site Editor Yvette Francino on how to implement the KAA model (knowledge, attitude, action) in your Agile adoption or other change management scenario. Tip
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Continuous integration made simple: Five lessons you won't want to miss
In this tip, SSQ contributor Matt Heusser provides five valuable lessons which will help you avoid CI complications, such as a slow release process. Read on for lessons in an effective strategy for continuous integration. Tip
- See More: Tips on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
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Evidence of software quality in Agile development environments
Do Agile environments truly produce higher quality code and higher quality software? Expert Lisa Crispin delves into this claim, explaining what works on an Agile team. Answer
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The end of an iteration: When is testing in Agile complete?
Agile development expert Lisa Crispin explains how software testers can meet objectives with each iteration and seek support from team members such as programmers and DBAs. Answer
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Social media: What is personal, and what is professional?
In this expert response, Lisa Crispin discusses the personal and professional uses of social media and the benefits of the blending of these two areas of our online lives. Answer
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Agile development: Collaboration tools for learning
In this response, Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains how Agile developers can benefit from training materials made possible with social media and collaborative tools. Answer
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The purpose of the Agile retrospective in Agile development
In this expert response, Lisa Crispin explains various ways to conduct retrospectives, discussing what teams stand to gain from them and how they contribute to the ongoing improvements inherent in Agile development processes. Answer
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How to employ Agile values with a Waterfall methodology
As Agile development has gained in popularity, the traditional methods such as Waterfall sometimes get a bad rap. However, the two methodologies do not have to be mutually exclusive. Read this response for expert Lisa Crispin’s take on integrating Ag... Answer
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Is Kanban an Agile methodology?
As Agile development continues to expand, related tools and terms can be confusing. In this expert response, Lisa Crispin explains what Kanban is and how it can work together with Agile principles. Answer
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Testing in Agile development: Separating developing and testing
Each testing team has different needs, and each tester needs control over his or her own testing environment, according to expert Lisa Crispin. Read this response for insights into how to manage testing activities in Agile development. Answer
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Exploratory testing and regression testing in continuous integration
Expert Lisa Crispin explains how and when to implement exploratory testing, automated regression testing and manual regression tests in an Agile development environment. Answer
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Best uses for wikis: Collaboration and information sharing
While wikis are helpful for displaying information and facilitating collaboration amongst team members, they aren't appropriate for tracking all aspects of the project process, according to expert Lisa Crispin. Answer
- See More: Expert Advice on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
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WIP limit
A WIP (work in progress) limit is a strategy for preventing bottlenecks in software development. Definition
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user story
A user story is a tool used in Agile development to capture a description of a software feature from an end-user perspective. Definition
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Agile retrospective
An Agile retrospective is a meeting that’s held at the end of an iteration in Agile development. Definition
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Jenkins
Jenkins is an open-source continuous integration software tool written in the Java programming language designed to test and report on isolated changes in a larger code base in real-time. Definition
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iterative development
Iterative development is a way of breaking down the software development of a large application into smaller chunks. Definition
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daily stand-up meeting
A daily stand-up meeting is a short status meeting that is held early each day. The practice, which originates from Agile development methodologies, is common in the Scrum development methodology. Definition
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whole-team approach (team-based approach)
Whole-team approach, also called team-based approach, is a strategy for project management in which everyone on the project team is held equally responsible for the quality and success of the project. The term is often used in agile software developm... Definition
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scrum sprint
In product development, a scrum sprint is a set period of time during which specific work has to be completed and made ready for review. Word
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burn down chart
A burn down chart is a visual representation of the amount of work that still needs to be completed before the end of a project. Word
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spike
A spike is a sharp rise in the frequency for a given variable, usually immediately followed by a decrease. This sort of transient variation is often seen in the measurement of voltage or current in circuits. (Continued...) Word
- See More: Definitions on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
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Carl Shaulis on Kanban at STPCon2011
Carl Shaulis from HomeAway.com gave a presentation at STPCon 2011 on how testing can work in the world of kanban. Watch this video for a brief overview of the processes his company identified for expediting testing in an Agile setting using kanban. Video
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Matt Johnston at STPCon2011: uTest and Mozilla release CaseConductor
Matt Johnston of uTest discusses the release of the beta version of CaseConductor, an opensource test case management system created by uTest and Mozilla. This is uniquely suited for distributed Agile teams. Users can now access CaseConductor and off... Video
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Lanette Creamer: Pairing programmers and non-programmers
Lanette Creamer discusses pairing programmers with non-programmers, such as testers and product owners, in the Agile space. She also highlights her interactive jam session, designed to illuminate collaborative testing techniques. Video
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Tester's role in Agile environment with Rob Walsh
Rob Walsh from Excalibur discusses the tester's role in the Agile environment at STPCon 2011. Video
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Accelerating Agile testing with computer assistance
According to test pro Matt Heusser full test automation is not completely possible, testers can not always rely on a test tool to find all possible issues. Though test tools will often catch the most allusive issues one should never dillute the acute... Podcast
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How the requirements process differs in agile
Software requirements consultant Robin Goldsmith plays devil's advocate as he discusses his experiences with gathering requirements in traditional and agile environments. Video
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Succeeding with software requirements in Agile projects
Consultant Ellen Gottesdiener guides us through the ins and outs of creating software requirements in Agile development environments in this audiocast interview. Podcast
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Reporter's Notebook: Jack Vaughan on agile methodology
Jack Vaughan, editor in chief of SearchSOA.com, gives his take on the evolution of agile, goals of agile, requirements gathering in agile, and the intersection of agile and service-oriented architecture. Video
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Jon Kern's three keys to software development
Peter Varhol discusses agile expert and TSS Java Symposium keynote speaker Jon Kern's presentation on the three keys to software development. Video
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Agile 101: What you need to know about agile software development
Advocates of agile development say this methodology is ideal for creating software. John Scumniotales, co-creator of Scrum, discusses in this podcast what's involved when using agile and where the methodology will be five years from now. Podcast
- See More: Multimedia on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
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Software testers on Agile teams shift to exploratory testing and code quality
Find out what authors of "Essential Skills for the Agile Developer: A Guide to Better Programming and Design" feel is the new role of the tester and why this role continues to be essential. News
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Agile development: Essential skills for the Agile developer
Find out some very specific tips about practices and techniques that are necessary in Agile development. News
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Software test management: Produce quality applications by fostering culture of respect
A culture of mutual respect and one in which senior management values quality are crucial elements in producing high quality applications for customers. Feature
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Agile testing quadrants: Guiding managers and teams in test strategies
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains the four Agile testing quadrants and how they can guide managers and development teams in creating a test strategy. Tip
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Lifecycle virtualization expedites Agile testing and ALM
In this story, SSQ’s Yvette Francino explores how lifecycle virtualization ties in with continuous integration and modern ALM. CIOs and other decision makers will learn what analysts are saying about the next level of virtualization in their organiza... News
-
Scrum vs. Kanban: Comparing new approaches in software development
In this tip, we talk about the differences in Scrum and Kanban, comparing and contrasting these two approaches used in software development. Tip
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Collaboration, discipline and software quality: Wisdom from Uncle Bob Martin
In this second of a two-part interview with renowned software development expert “Uncle Bob” Martin, we hear more of his thoughts on collaboration, discipline and measuring quality. News
-
WIP limit
A WIP (work in progress) limit is a strategy for preventing bottlenecks in software development. Definition
-
Evidence of software quality in Agile development environments
Do Agile environments truly produce higher quality code and higher quality software? Expert Lisa Crispin delves into this claim, explaining what works on an Agile team. Answer
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The end of an iteration: When is testing in Agile complete?
Agile development expert Lisa Crispin explains how software testers can meet objectives with each iteration and seek support from team members such as programmers and DBAs. Answer
- See More: All on Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
About Agile Software Development (Agile, Scrum, Extreme)
Agile software development refers to software development methodologies that follow the Agile Manifesto valuing: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, responding to change over following a plan.
Popular agile methodologies include Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP). Agile methodologies use short iterations for development and emphasize collaboration and cross-functional teams with members from the business, development, and test.