Agile vs. Scrum: Key Differences and Similarities You Should Know

What is Agile?

Agile is a collaborative and adaptable approach that teams use to complete tasks more efficiently. Agile enables teams to provide value to their customers more quickly. Project management methodologies, which are widely used in software development, are often a more natural way to keep cross-functional team members organized and on track. They use Agile to work on various iterations of a project, which are then prioritized based on end-user feedback.

Agile is a big shift from traditional waterfall methods. In the traditional method, all business or project requirements must first be analyzed and documented by members at higher levels before development can begin. With Agile, requirements are not set in stone and evolve with each iteration, allowing for a great deal of flexibility and room for growth throughout the software development cycle.

There are 5 main Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), Lean Development, and Crystal. In the next section, we will elaborate more about Scrum

What is Scrum?

Scrum is one of the most widely used Agile methodologies. Scrum promotes collaboration and efficiency in the development and testing of software. Scrum-based development projects are divided into smaller, more manageable deliveries known as sprints, which are made up of three components: product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and sprint goals.

Each sprint, which typically lasts two to four weeks, is intended to complete a small part of the overall project’s scope. As a result, when all of the sprints are completed, the project as a whole is finished. Scrum teams typically review each sprint immediately after it finishes as well as reflect on it later so that necessary changes can be implemented for better execution of subsequent sprints.

Key Similarities and Differences between Agile and Scrum

Both Agile and Scrum share some similarities Scrum ultimately springs from Agile. Here are some of the similarities between Agile and Scrum:

1. Both are primarily used for software development

2. Both rely on iterative processes and frequent interaction with clients

3. Both place a high value on collaboration and teamwork in decision-making

4. Both make an effort to incorporate client feedback into the development process

Though Scrum is a part of Agile family, there are still some differences between them. While Scrum will always be Agile, all Agile approaches may not always be Scrum. Therefore, here are some of the differences between Agile and Scrum.

1. Constitution

Scrum is divided into short phases known as sprints, which are used to divide deliverables into smaller units. There are no such divisions in Agile, however, and everything is delivered at the end of the project.

2. Roles

In Agile, members are required to switch roles or multitask. Scrum, however, assigns specific roles to each project team such as scrum master or product owner. When discussing Agile vs Scrum, Agile project manager and Scrum master are often in comparison. An Agile project manager balances overall project supervision with individual contributions to the project, while Scrum master is responsible for the Scrum team and ensures that the team follows the Scrum methodology properly.

3. Rigidity vs Flexibility

The next Agile and Scrum difference is that Agile is a more rigid approach when compared to Scrum, which incorporates changes much faster and is designed to adapt instantly.

4. Design and Execution

Design and execution in Agile are extremely simple, guided by a designated leader, who is usually the project manager. In addition, scrum’s design and execution tend to be innovative and experimental, and it is not led by a single person but is overseen by the entire team, each of whose members is responsible for a specific aspect of the project.

5. Feedback Procedures

Whereas Agile encourages end-user feedback at any stage of the development process, Scrum has fixed periods for feedback, whether from the internal team or the user. Scrum feedback sessions are typically held at the end of a sprint.

Agile is a project management philosophy that employs a core set of values or principles, while Scrum is a specific Agile methodology that is used to facilitate a project. Despite their similarities and differences, Agile and Scrum both ensure a smooth transition and faster project delivery for all projects.

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