Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter I
Agile Development
Methods and
Component-Orientation:
A Review and Analysis
Zoran Stojanovic, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Ajantha Dahanayake, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Henk Sol, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
ABSTRACT
Agile software development methods have been proposed as the way to address the problem
of delivering high-quality software on time under constantly and rapidly changing require-
ments in business and IT environments. An agile development process is characterized by
extensive coding practice, intensive communication between stakeholders, fast iterative
cycles, small and fl exible teams, and minimal efforts in system modeling and architectural
design. This paper presents the state-of-the-art of agile methods and analyzes them along
the selected criteria that highlight different aspects of their theory and practice. Certain
limitations of agile methods are identifi ed. The chapter presents the component paradigm
as a way of balancing traditional (model-driven or plan-driven) and agile development,
depending on the project settings. Service-based component concepts applied at the level
of modeling, architectural design and development can ensure and strengthen agile devel-
opment principles and practices, and at the same time introduce necessary agility to more
traditional development. By using components, the software development process can easily
scale in size, robustness, and the level of details. This provides an effective balance between
the requirements for agility in software development and needs for a disciplined, design-
driven way of building complex software.
