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Whether you’re new to software development or have some experience in the field, you’re likely familiar with the terms Agile and Scrum. While these two process management methodologies share similar approaches, there are key differences as well that are helpful to know if you’re pursuing a career in software development, project management, or both.
To better understand Agile vs. Scrum, it’s helpful to know more about how each methodology works. But first, what is the meaning of Agile and Scrum?
What is an Agile Methodology?
First, what is an Agile environment, and what does it look like? An Agile methodology is a collaborative and flexible approach that teams typically adopt to accomplish tasks more efficiently. The project management methodology, which is widely used in software development, is often a more natural way to keep cross-functional team members organized and on track. Using Agile, they work on various iterations of a project, which is then organized into a prioritized backlog based on end-user feedback.
The basic underlying Agile methodology principle is to be flexible enough to make changes as needed. To do so, a project manager allocates a certain amount of time for each phase of a software project.
Agile is a set of Popular principles that are used in project management and software management. Agile process delivers work in small increments.
Team following the Agile principles can respond to change quickly.
Types of Agile Methodology
1. Scrum:
Scrum is a framework through which teams hypothesize, experiment, reflect on their experience, and then make appropriate adjustments.
2. Kanban:
Kanban is a visual system that can be used by organizations to visualize their flow of work. It also helps limit their work in progress.
3. Lean
Lean is a combination of tools and principles that enables organizations to identify and remove waste. It also helps increase the speed of development.
4. XP/Extreme
XP or Extreme Programming is a framework that can help teams create high quality software. It can also help improve their quality of life
5.Crystal
Crystal is an approach that aims to streamline processes and improve optimization. It focuses people and interactions, rather than tools and processes.
6.DSD
DSD means Dynamic system Development is a process focus on full project cycle
7. FDD
FDD means feature-Driven development an agile framework that, as its name suggests, organizes software development around making progress on features. Features in the FDD context, though, are not necessarily product features in the commonly understood sense. They are, rather, more akin to user stories in Scrum.
What is a Scrum Methodology?
Scrum is a framework that enables team to work together and address Complex adaptive problems. The products delivered are handled creatively and are ensured to be of highest value.
Next, what does a Scrum environment look like? Interestingly, Scrum Methodology is an Agile framework that facilitates collaboration and efficiency in software development and testing. Scrum-based development projects are broken into small builds, called sprints, which consist of three components: product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and sprint goals. With each sprint, a specific function is defined, developed, and tested. Depending on the complexity of the project, each sprint lasts two to three weeks. If any business requirements change that warrant a code change, it is quicker and easier to find it in the sprint backlog rather than repeat the entire software development lifecycle, like with a Waterfall methodology.
With this framework, the Scrum Master has a responsibility to guarantee the success of each project. He or she must ensure that every team member remains on track, address and solve any problems that arise, confirm that the team is following Scrum methodologies, and enforce deadlines.
Difference Between Agile and Scrum
The primary difference between Agile and Scrum is that Agile is a project management philosophy that employs a fundamental set of values or principles, whereas Scrum is a precise Agile methodology utilized to facilitate a project.
The key difference between Agile and Scrum is that Scrum is a highly successful methodology for delivering software to a customer, while Agile is a philosophy about how to deliver software to a customer.
Aspect | Agile | Scrum |
Definition | Agile is a collaborative and flexible approach used to efficiently accomplish tasks, particularly in software development. | Scrum is an Agile framework that promotes collaboration and efficiency in software development through sprints. |
Iterative Approach | Agile teams work on various iterations of a project, organized into a prioritized backlog based on end-user feedback. | Scrum divides projects into small builds called sprints, with each sprint having product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and sprint goals. |
Project Flexibility | Agile emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing changes as needed throughout the project. | Scrum is more structured and less flexible, making it ideal for those aiming to deliver results quickly. |
Software Delivery Frequency | Agile delivers software regularly for feedback, enabling continuous iteration of development and testing. | Scrum delivers software after each sprint of development. |
Suitable Team Size | Agile is suitable for smaller teams and those who prefer simplicity in design and execution. | Scrum is more suited for creative and experimental approaches. |
Relationship | Scrum is a specific Agile methodology used to facilitate a project. | Agile is a broader philosophy about how to deliver software to customers. |
Comparison to Kanban | Both Agile and Scrum share similarities with Kanban, another Agile framework used for marketing. | Scrum employs predefined roles for team members, while Kanban encourages equal collaboration among all team members. |
Process Flow and Flexibility | Scrum uses predefined roles and strict sprints, allowing limited change during a project. | Kanban provides more flexibility throughout a project and is less rigid. |