Overview

Agile mobile app development is one of the most popular and efficient approaches for developing software. In this article, we will provide complete information about this methodology. Here, we will learn about Agile, its features, and the software life cycle. So, read the article till the end.

What is Agile Mobile App Development Methodology?

Agile methodology focuses on dividing the whole software development process into multiple smaller parts called ‘Sprints’. Each sprint is processed separately which helps in delivering the product faster with minimum issues. Moreover, every chunk of the software is delivered to the customer for review and feedback.

Agile methodology is an advanced approach to software development that fulfills the shortcomings of conventional app development methodologies. It is an iterative, collaborative, flexible, and constantly improving way of designing the software which helps in delivering the quality in minimum time.

Because of its popularity and feasibility, it is widely implemented in almost every organization associated with software development. Tech Giants like Google and Microsoft have already deployed Agile mobile app development approaches to deliver high-quality products faster.

Agile Software Development – Benefits and Features

Since Agile is the most recommended approach, it offers numerous features and benefits over traditional software development methodologies. We will share some of the prominent characteristics of Agile that have been experienced by every company that uses it.

Enhanced Quality of Product

The agile framework is based on continuous improvement of the software with a repetitive feedback loop. Therefore, the chances of issues in the product will be reduced which further enhances the quality of the final product. Moreover, if any error arises during the product update, it will be identified and rectified immediately.

Reduced Product Delivery Time

The agile system does not follow subsequent stages of software development in which every stage is dependent on others. Instead, it employs simultaneous processes that significantly reduce the overall time of the output. Each fragment is delivered to the customer independently for functionality check.

Flexible and Convenient Approach

Another remarkable benefit of implementing the Agile mobile app development approach is its flexible nature that leaves room for modifications as per customer requirements, market changes, etc. You can integrate new functionalities or upgrade the features of the application without disturbing the existing software. It makes the software more suited for the competitive market.

Faster Application Launch

As each sprint is developed separately and provided to the customer for examination, the overall time consumed in delivering the complete application will be reduced. It helps in launching the application to the market faster. Along with that, it makes it possible to get reviews from the end users earlier.

Better Collaboration

One of the key features of the Agile development framework is collaboration with different units. From customers to developers and testers everyone can communicate transparently and share their ideas. Numerous management tools are available for checking the status of the application and giving their remarks.

Also Read: Native vs Cross Platform App Development

How to Develop Mobile Application using Agile Methodology?

After understanding the advantages of Agile, let us explore the Agile mobile app development stages via Agile. Instead of progressing linearly, the complete process is broken down into short tasks called ‘sprints’ that have to be delivered within a fixed time frame. Then it is reviewed by the customers. The software life cycle consists of the following phases:

1. Collecting Product Information: The first stage is gathering the requirements of the application. It is generally done with the help of user stories or a backlog of software.

2. Specifying the Sprint: After the requirements have been collected, the next task is to prioritize the requirements and split the Sprints accordingly. In this stage, the task, team, and time frame are specified.

3. Developing the Application: Now, the team assigned in the previous stage develops the software considering customers’ requirements. They follow certain guidelines to accomplish the goals efficiently and collaborate with other teams.

4. Software Testing: The testing team ensures the application’s integrity, functionality, and acceptance meet the standards.

5. Reviewing: Once the sprint has finished, the application is reviewed for its functionalities as per the customer demand.

6. Retrospective: The retrospective stage is for making the software more efficient. The team eliminates the issues and works on the areas that can be improved. It is possible because the application is designed with room for modifications.

Also Read: Best App Development Tools to Create Application for Free

Challenges During Agile Mobile App Development

The Agile software development methodology is no doubt an advanced and efficient approach to developing software. However, this approach has some shortcomings that make it difficult to implement.

Proper Prioritization of Features:

One of the basic characteristics of Agile methodology is that it leaves space for modification and improvement. However, the application is designed considering some priorities. It is challenging to balance different factors as per the customer requirements or market trends.

Therefore, proper prioritization and balancing of different features is a shortcoming of agile software development methodology. There are some strategies like value-based prioritization and impact v/s effort analysis that one can implement to mitigate the difficulty.

Miscalculation of Time and Efforts:

Another significant drawback of the Agile approach is that the estimated time and effort required to develop the complete software can not be defined properly. Due to continuously varying needs and trends, improvements and enhancements are implemented in the application which exceeds the time-frame and efforts.

Technical Debt:

Technical debt means the shortcuts you have taken while designing the codes which leads to poor quality of software functionality. While developing the software via the Agile approach it is quite common to reuse the codes because of a limited time-frame. However, it will not deliver the optimum performance, and making modifications will become even more difficult.

You can minimize the technical debt by balancing between the quality of the software and the urgency of delivery. Regular evaluation of the code, refactoring, and proactive debt management are also helpful. It is necessary to allocate some time to identify and manage these technical debts.

Bottom Line

I hope this write-up has delivered value. Agile mobile app development methodology breaks down the application development into various independent sprints. Flexibility, reduced time, improved quality, and collaboration with other teams are some noticeable features of Agile. Apart from that, it has some challenges like inaccurate time and effort calculation, technical debt, and prioritizing the features. However, in broad terms, Agile is more efficient than any other software development approach.

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