Agile vs. XP

Agile software development has been around for some time and has grown to encompass various frameworks and methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). Agile emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and responsiveness to changing requirements to deliver iterative software. There are many differences between Agile and XP. This post will provide an impartial comparison, including numbers where possible, to help you choose the right Agile methodology for your business.

The Differences

The focus

Agile and XP are both founded on incremental development and flexible, customer-focused development methodologies. However, the focus of each is different. Agile methodology prioritizes customer satisfaction while XP focuses on delivering high-quality software. While both methodologies use feedback to improve project progress and end product, Agile focuses more on the customer, while XP focuses on ensuring that the software works effectively.

Teamwork

Both methodologies rely on teamwork; however, XP takes a more hands-on approach by using paired programming, where two developers work together to complete a task. On the other hand, Agile relies on project managers who act as facilitators, and the team interacts only in stand-up meetings.

Flexibility

Agile methodology is designed to accommodate changing requirements, which is where XP differs. Extreme Programming is a rigid methodology designed with detailed requirements at inception. Agile, on the other hand, is more adaptable and designed for optimal flexibility, allowing for new requirements, changes, and plan modifications.

The Focus on Communication

There is a more significant emphasis on communication in XP than in Agile methodology. XP methodology is built around paired programming where two people work together on a task. This methodology allows for continuous collaboration and communication, resulting in higher-quality software. Agile methodology, on the other hand, focuses more on regular stand-up meetings where participants update on progress, issues and discuss ways forward collaboratively.

Pros and Cons of Agile and XP

Agile Pros

• Great for handling changing requirements
• Promotes customer satisfaction
• Enhances flexibility

Agile Cons

• Teams do not have the opportunity to work closely with each other
• Needs continuous feedback from customers and stakeholders for maximum impact

XP Pros

• Produces high-quality software due to the rigorous testing
• Facilitates a strong team culture
• Pairs programming produces better quality code

XP Cons

• Requires an initial well-defined and documented system
• A new approach that organizations must be prepared to adopt

Which methodology is best for your organization?

The right methodology for your business depends primarily on the objectives of the software project. Agile is best if your primary objective is to satisfy customers, provide flexibility and react swiftly to changes in requirements. In contrast, Extreme Programming is the right choice if delivering high-quality software is your primary objective.

We hope this post has helped you better understand the nuanced differences between Agile and XP. Whatever methodology you ultimately choose, remember that effective communication, customer satisfaction, and collaboration are critical to delivering a successful software project.

References

Serena, C. et al. (2019). Comparing scrum and xp. Journal of Information Systems Engineering & Management, 4(1), E24. https://doi.org/10.29333/jisem/5735

Nerur, S. et al. (2005). A framework for comparing agile and traditional software development approaches. IEEE International Conference on Electro Information Technology, Lincoln, NE, USA, 1, 279-284. https://doi.org/10.1109/eit.2005.1542778.