October 12, 2011

Manifesto for Agile Software Development

  —A first look at the Agile Manifesto.

I am re-reading Mike Cohn's book "Agile Estimating and Planning". In chapter three, "An Agile Approach", Mike references the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. A lot has been written about the manifesto. I won't add much.

Two things stand out that are very enlightened. First, the acknowledgement that we are still learning how to develop software better. Second, the emphasis on people rather than tools and process.

The first point reflects an enlightened view of software development, particularly if you view software development as knowledge acquisition. You are learning how to do something that perhaps no else is doing. That is a hard job and worth acknowledging.

The second point reflects an enlightened view of software development because it recognizes that people are the important element in the creation and use of software. The shift in focus is a stroke of genius. It reflects a change in understanding around who is developing and using the software.