Agile terminology can be confusing. We have compiled a list of the most common agile terms you may come across, and their definitions:
- Agile – a project management approach based on delivering requirements iteratively and incrementally throughout the life cycle.
- Agile development – an umbrella term specifically for iterative software development methodologies. Popular methods include Scrum, Lean, DSDM and eXtreme Programming (XP).
- Agile Manifesto – describes the four principles of agile development: 1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools. 2. Working software over comprehensive documentation. 3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation. 4. Responding to change over following a plan.
- Backlog – prioritised work still to be completed (see Requirements).
- Burn down chart – used to monitor progress; shows work still to complete (the Backlog) versus total time.
- Cadence – the number of days or weeks in a Sprint or release; the length of the team’s development cycle.
- Ceremonies – meetings, often a daily planning meeting, that identify what has been done, what is to be done and the barriers to success.
- DAD (disciplined agile delivery) – a process-decision framework.
