Product Description

Agile and iterative methods have emerged as the most popular approaches to software development, and with good reason. Research (examined and cited in detail within this book) shows that iterative methods reduce the risk of failure, compared to traditional models of development. This book is an efficient introduction for both managers and practitioners that need a distilled and carefully organized learning aid for the hands-on practices from planning to requirements to testing and the values that define these methods. The author also provides evidence of the value of switching to agile and iterative methods. By studying this book, the reader will learn to apply the key ideas in agile and iterative development, the details and comparison of four influential iterative methods (Scrum, Extreme Programming, Evo, and the Unified Process), answers to frequently asked questions, and important related management skills. The book's goal is quality information that can be quickly understood and applied.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #160943 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

From the Back Cover

Agile/iterative methods: From business case to successful implementation

This is the definitive guide for managers and students to agile and iterative development methods: what they are, how they work, how to implement them—and why you should.

Using statistically significant research and large-scale case studies, noted methods expert Craig Larman presents the most convincing case ever made for iterative development. Larman offers a concise, information-packed summary of the key ideas that drive all agile and iterative processes, with the details of four noteworthy iterative methods: Scrum, XP, RUP, and Evo. Coverage includes:

• Compelling evidence that iterative methods reduce project risk
• Frequently asked questions
• Agile and iterative values and practices
• Dozens of useful iterative and agile practice tips
• New management skills for agile/iterative project leaders
• Key practices of Scrum, XP, RUP, and Evo

Whether you're an IT executive, project manager, student of software engineering, or developer, Craig Larman will help you understand the promise of agile/iterative development, sell it throughout your organizationaeand transform the promise into reality.

About the Author

CRAIG LARMAN is known throughout the international software community as an expert and passionate advocate for object-oriented technologies and development, and iterative and agile development methods. He serves as Chief Scientist at Valtech, a global consulting and skills transfer company, where he has led the adoption of iterative and agile methods. Larman also authored Applying UML and Patterns, the world's best-selling text on object-oriented analysis and design, and iterative development.

Customer Reviews

Very Readable
Superbly written book that is also very interesting, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the history of iterative development.

Don't expect a massive amount of detail though, its really just giving you a good overview of agile development and the different processes you can use.

Useful insights but poorly put together
I bought this book as an experienced project manager who has worked historically in organisations espousing either overly-prescriptive or overly-free development methods, wanting to learn a little more about the standard "Agile" practices.

Larman includes lots of good information on why iterative and incremental delivery pays dividends over more "traditional" methods such as the Waterfall, but I found the presentation to be overly fussy and a little too evangelical.

The text is overburdened with references to other publications which may be great if you're fighting an organisational struggle to implement agile methods but if you are looking for practical advice these are of little value. Likewise some of the tables and diagrams liberally sprinkled through the book are probably of little practical benefit to many.

One of the key strengths of the book is that it provides a manager-level overview of the four main agile methods : XP, Scrum, RUP and Evo, whereas many books focus on the nitty gritty of one specific practice.

I'd say it broadly delivers on what I was looking for - a good understanding of what people mean when they bandy the term "Agile" about - my main criticism is that it would be much more readable if it dropped some of the weighty academic argument and concentrated more on the practical.

Its not that the practical advice isn't there - just that the reader can easily get bogged down due to the style of presentation and aspirations to be used as an intellectual sledgehammer to get Agile adopted.

well written, balanced text - with evidence
Craig Larman explains what agile software development is, how it works and why it works. One chapter provides thorough evidence for agile. Another is an excellent summary of the pitfalls of the "big bang" waterfall approach.

Larman writes simply and elegantly. This is an excellent book.