Working Software

Definition

Working software is a primary measure of progress in agile development, emphasizing the delivery of functional software that meets user needs. This concept reinforces the idea that the ultimate goal of any software project is to produce software that works effectively and efficiently, allowing teams to respond quickly to changes and feedback. Prioritizing working software over comprehensive documentation reflects a shift toward flexibility and collaboration in development processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In agile methodologies, working software is prioritized as the most important deliverable, often demonstrated through iterative cycles called sprints.
2. The definition of done often includes criteria that ensure the software is functional, tested, and ready for user feedback.
3. Delivering working software frequently helps teams adjust to changing requirements and enhances customer satisfaction.
4. Working software promotes collaboration between developers and stakeholders, ensuring that the final product aligns with user needs.
5. The focus on working software leads to reduced risks as it allows for early identification of issues and continuous improvements based on real user feedback.

Review Questions

• How does the emphasis on working software change the way teams prioritize tasks during an agile project?
  • The emphasis on working software shifts teams' priorities toward delivering functional features over extensive documentation or planning. This means teams focus on completing tasks that lead directly to usable software, allowing them to demonstrate progress through tangible results. By prioritizing features that can be quickly developed and tested, teams can better respond to changing requirements and user feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
• Discuss the relationship between working software and customer satisfaction in agile methodologies.
  • Working software is closely linked to customer satisfaction because it allows for frequent delivery of functional features that users can interact with. By delivering working increments regularly, teams can gather feedback early and often, ensuring that the final product aligns with users' needs and expectations. This ongoing engagement helps to build trust and ensures that any adjustments are made based on actual user experiences rather than assumptions.
• Evaluate how the concept of working software contributes to risk management in agile development processes.
  • The concept of working software significantly contributes to risk management by allowing teams to identify and address issues early in the development process. By delivering functional increments at regular intervals, teams can evaluate performance, gather user feedback, and make necessary adjustments before moving forward. This approach reduces the likelihood of major failures at the end of a project by ensuring ongoing alignment with user needs and reducing uncertainties related to requirements or technical challenges.

Related terms

Agile Manifesto:

A foundational document for agile software development that outlines key values and principles, emphasizing individuals and interactions over processes and tools.

Incremental Development: A software development approach that focuses on building and delivering small, functional portions of a product at a time, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.

User Story: A brief, simple description of a feature from the perspective of an end-user, used in agile methodologies to capture requirements and guide development.