k underpin a huge amount of what goes on in the world of modern software development. In short, Agile development is founded on an iterative, collaborative approach to creating solutions. It generally involves breaking down the overall development process into bitesize tasks that can be accomplished simultaneously by specialised teams.
That may not sound too complex, but there’s quite a bit more to it! If you’re struggling to get to grips with the Agile development methodology, reading a select few texts is a great way to overcome this. In this article, we’ll take a look at four books that we recommend for those who are seeking to familiarise themselves with Agile.
Succeeding with Agile
by Mike Cohn
Mike Cohn is one of the key figures responsible for the success of the Agile methodology, and he has a good deal of hands-on experience with it. His book Succeeding with Agile is a great entrypoint for anyone who’s looking to apply these ideas to their own operations. This book can be viewed as a comprehensive overview of Agile, so it’s the perfect place to start.
In it, Cohn introduces the reader to several different ideologies within Agile, and guides them through the process of adopting them. Placing emphasis on the importance of a staggered implementation process, Cohn provides a number of highly valuable insights and strategies.
User Stories Applied
by Mike Cohn
User Stories Applied is another key text by Cohn. This one is centred around some carefully chosen examples, making it a perfect companion piece to Succeeding with Agile. In it he outlines how those who adopt Agile methodologies can further refine processes by consolidating tasks and maximising efficiency.
To accomplish all of this, Cohn’s User Stories Applied presents a number of narrative scenarios involving the requirements of hypothetical clients. By examining these in detail, and by analysing the potential responses and outcomes, Cohn illustrates how the reader can use Agile methodologies to overcome challenges and solve customers’ problems in a clear and effective way.
Extreme Programming Explained
by Kent Beck
Another key figure in the development of Agile is Kent Beck. It was Beck’s Extreme Programming Explained that catalysed a tidal shift in the world of software development and spurred many to look at the art of programming in a whole new light. Some of the specific ideas outlined within include frequent releases, short development cycles, enhanced productivity and checkpoints to ensure customer satisfaction.
Extreme Programming (XP), as explained by Beck, is a methodology that aims to improve the responsiveness and quality of software in a way that enables developers to react more effectively to changing customer requirements. Whilst Extreme Programming Explained is primarily concerned with just one method within the wider Agile methodology, many of the principles contained within are applicable in a range of situations.
Planning Extreme Programming
by Kent Beck & Martin Fowler
In Planning Extreme Programming, Beck and Martin Fowler build upon the ideas of Beck’s Extreme Programming Explained and refine them. In this essential volume, the authors provide a detailed guide to the early stages of XP, and explain how companies who are adopting this ideology – which is contained within Agile – can better plan and manage their projects. Additional emphasis is placed on the crucial nature of the early planning stages.
Much like its predecessor, this book has a wide range of applications and implications for developers, project managers, specialists and engineers, all of whom could benefit greatly from the ideas which inform it. This one is all about the importance of making preparations. Whilst, in places, it reads a bit like an instruction manual, Planning Extreme Programming takes a progressive approach to encouraging creativity in the formative stages of development.
An Agile Treasure Trove
The above books serve as a great introduction to the world of Agile development. They should be extremely helpful to anyone who is looking to apply this popular methodology to their own business practices. The wisdom that you can glean from such well-written books as these is absolutely indispensable, so consider taking a look at them before launching into your next project!
