Agile development: Flexible solutions and satisfied client

Can you adapt to any situation with ease? React to change, manage projects effectively and adjust your development process even to the wildest requirements? At Dactyl, we can, thanks to the interactive agile approach we follow. Are you curious about how we create complex information systems or mobile applications using agile development? And why is it highly beneficial for developers and clients?

Let's get to it.

What is agile development? Who will appreciate it?

There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for quality software. Technologies, processes, and motivation to create the perfect product can vary. There is also a big difference between each stage of development.

It's here that agile development varies from the conventional way.

Being agile means a modern approach to creating a technological solution characterized by fast and flexible delivery of the most functional software. It's most often based, for example, on iterative (incremental) development, where the functionality is being created in short cycles.

The principle of the agile method is grounded in close cooperation and communication between the developers and the customer. Maximum flexibility is appreciated by everyone involved. At Dactyl, we are always happy to adapt to the needs of our clients. Different time zones are not a barrier either - we routinely communicate with clients from all over Europe as well as the US.

Sometimes changes are suggested by the developer, sometimes by the customer. Occasionally, certain elements are omitted altogether. Once the cycle is over, testing, refining, and adding more features begin.

— Would you like to get started too? A lot of customizable frameworks are available for agile project management, for example:

• Scrum
• Kanban
• Extreme Programming

Be agile, Waterfall won't always save you

There are several approaches to software development. Although there is some awareness and growing popularity of agile methodology, many companies stick to the classics. It includes, for example, the waterfall model.

The phases of such development have a predetermined structure, which generally does not change. The process moves freely from one part to another - from analysis to implementation to testing and deployment.

The basic rules are clear. Each phase is first completed and closed before moving on to the next.

But agile development differs. So, what makes it special?

— Adjustments are made based on the customer's comments during the development, not after the complete solution is delivered.

Through communication, teams can react quickly to changes, meet requirements, and optimize the process based on feedback. Simply, quickly and on the fly.

Agile development and its phases in practice

The whole system development starts with the so-called zero iteration, an initial analysis of the requirements and programming of the basic skeleton.

When done, it is time to start the first cycle. A firm plan and a division of work tasks between the individual developers are necessary. And what about possible modifications? These are taken care of by a change analysis, which helps to examine and plan for potential adjustments to the project.

At this point, everyone knows what to do and how much time they have for their tasks. At this stage, we talk about implementing the required change, accompanied by the programming and execution of all plans.

And now, the key element. The client receives a sample of the first version of the project. It creates a crucial space for comments, specifications, ideas for additional functionalities, and so on.

The submitted version can meet all the requirements. Or it may not. Luckily, changes can be applied immediately, not after everything else is finished. A huge advantage!

Is this method for you? What the client should know…?

Have you found yourself in the role of a customer? Then you might consider a few important things before you embark on agile development.

The method ultimately saves time and money. But it's only effective if the client is willing to communicate. Therefore, they must be interested in being closely and regularly involved in the project.

Do you have a clear idea in your head? Maybe you don't need agile development. But if you're still in the dark, it will take a lot of adapting. Hence, frequent communication with the development team and flexible collaboration are surely assets.

But the key is confidence.

Both parties should know what they're getting into and respect each other. Ideally, the client understands development is a time-consuming process, and in return, the company does everything possible to deliver a flawless product.

Agile approach is full of advantages, isn't it?

We have uncovered many details and benefits that are iconic to agile development. It is only fitting to give you a brief recap of the most important points.

Agile development offers the following guarantees:

• Clarity and certainty for both parties
• Functional and tested code
• Fast response to requirements
• The direction of development is determined by the client

Again, there are several areas for consideration. Constant communication and modifications place great demands on both the developer and the customer. Another big unknown are the costs, so both parties are usually left with rough estimates. The specification is created on the fly - making a detailed and accurate estimate before the project starts is simply impossible.

The exact costs will only come to light after all iterations have been evaluated and the total time of the sprints has been calculated.

However, in the end, the client is pleased they gave the nod to agile development. During the process, clients often come across a feature that is missing or, on the contrary, overused. Luckily, a solution is found in time and applied in the next iteration.

The waterfall model is not so forgiving, and modifications can get rather expensive.

Cooperation with Dactyl Group? Maximum flexibility!

At Dactyl, we apply agile development, as well as other methods, daily. Complex information systems and applications deserve careful attention.

As we say: Our customer, our partner. We will discuss your ideas and specific goals and devise an ideal tailor-made solution to achieve them together. We do care about the result!

And if it doesn't work out in one iteration, you can count on the next.

Don't you have the time to spend the whole day communicating? Do you have a busy schedule? Working from abroad and in a different time zone? No problem. We can adapt not only our development but also our collaboration.

Do you have a vision for a sophisticated system or application? Do you need to complete the project with professionals in the field? Contact us - we will advise, design, and offer you a solution.