At the time of Agile transformation, it is often assumed that a scrum master can take up the role of an Agile coach. Although both the job roles seem to be similar apparently, both are greatly different in terms of scope and responsibilities. With the help of this article, let’s learn how Agile is different from Scrum and the underlying principles.
What is Agile?
Agile is a methodology which enables continuous iteration of software development and testing during the SDLC process. In simple words, we can say that Agile breaks down the product into smaller parts. This methodology involves concurrent development and testing processes unlike the rest of the software development methodologies. Furthermore, it supports teamwork and direct face to face communication. When it comes to Agile, it is essential that business stakeholders, clients and developers work towards developing a great product.
What is Scrum?
Scrum is a part of the Agile methodology and is an implementation of Agile development. It enables software developers to lay a special focus on delivering the final product in the shortest time frame through constant and repeated inspection of actual working software. Further, it emphasizes accountability, teamwork and constant progress towards well planned goals. The Scrum framework is highly flexible and efficiently meets changing requirements during the beginning as well as mid way of a software development process. To learn more about Scrum, you can take a comprehensive Agile Scrum Master course.
What are the prime differences between Agile and Scrum?
As we gained a general understanding of Agile and Scrum, let’s now learn about their differences:
- Agile is primarily a developmental methodology that adopts continuous and incremental approach while Scrum is one of the Agile implementations in which the product is delivered in parts in an interval of 2-3 weeks.
- Agile is highly suited for environments having a small but expert software development team. And Scrum is ideal for projects where requirements are constantly changing.
- In the Agile process, leadership plays a key role while Scrum focuses more on a self organizing and a cross functional team.
- Agile is a bit rigid and allows less changes as compared to Scrum which adjusts to rapid transformations in requirements.
- In Agile, direct face to face interactions take place between members of various teams, while in Scrum, collaboration between different team members take place through regular standup meetings.
- A lot of upfront developmental activities and organizational changes may take place during Agile while during Scrum, not many changes are required during implementation.
- During Agile development, every step is closely monitored during the cycle. While during Scrum, the functionality demonstration is given at the end of every sprint fro obtaining time to time feedback.
How to implement the best method among Agile and Scrum?
Upon having an in depth understanding of Agile and Scrum and their functioning, the next step is selecting the appropriate approach for a specific project. Before choosing any approach, you will be required to take in account the project requirements and various constraints involved in the process.
Agile was initially developed for software development projects and is not suited for projects having strict requirements and deadlines. Scrum generally is well suited for projects not having specific requirements, are likely to change or needing frequent testing. If an Agile approach suits your project, then you will be required to figure out whether Scrum is the right Agile methodology to meet your project needs.
At the end, one must know that the success of a project does not depend on choosing the right project methodology but on efficiently implementing the methodology skillfully.
