Software engineering agile and scrum study guide

What is Agile?

Agile is a software development methodology that emphasizes iterative development, collaboration, and customer feedback.

Lean principles in Agile

- Eliminate waste - Build quality in - Deliver fast - Respect people - Optimize the whole

True or False: Agile is only for software development.

False. Agile principles can be applied to various fields, including project management and product development.

What are Agile values?

The four core values are: 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

Fill in the blank: Agile emphasizes _______ over comprehensive documentation.

Working software

What is an iteration?

An iteration is a time-boxed period during which a specific set of work is completed and made ready for review.

Cause → Effect: Customer collaboration leads to ______.

Improved product alignment with user needs.

Explain the Agile Manifesto.

The Agile Manifesto is a declaration of the values and principles of Agile software development, guiding teams in their work.

What is a user story?

A user story is a simple, clear description of a feature from the perspective of the end user.

Comparison: Agile vs Waterfall

Agile: Iterative, flexible, continuous feedback. Waterfall: Linear, structured, less adaptive to change.

What is continuous delivery?

Continuous delivery is a software development practice where code changes are automatically prepared for release to production.

True or False: Agile requires detailed upfront planning.

False. Agile focuses on adaptive planning and evolving requirements.

What is a sprint retrospective?

A sprint retrospective is a meeting at the end of a sprint to reflect on the process and identify improvements.

What are Agile principles?

The twelve principles include: 1. Customer satisfaction 2. Welcome changing requirements 3. Deliver working software frequently 4. Collaborate daily 5. Build projects around motivated individuals 6. Face-to-face conversation 7. Working software is the primary measure of progress 8. Sustainable development 9. Technical excellence 10. Simplicity 11. Self-organizing teams 12. Regular reflection

Fill in the blank: Agile teams work in ______ to deliver increments.

Sprints

What is a timebox in Agile?

A timebox is a fixed duration for an Agile activity, such as a sprint or meeting. It helps teams stay focused and manage time effectively. - Examples: - Sprint duration: 2 weeks - Daily stand-up: 15 minutes

What is a Scrum Master?

The Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum process and removes obstacles. Responsibilities include: - Ensuring the team follows Scrum practices - Coaching the team - Protecting the team from outside interruptions.

Define Product Owner.

The Product Owner represents stakeholders and is responsible for maximizing product value. Key tasks: - Managing the product backlog - Prioritizing features - Ensuring the team understands backlog items.

What are Scrum Teams?

Self-organizing groups responsible for delivering product increments. Characteristics include: - Cross-functional skills - Committed to achieving a common goal - Collaborative environment.

What is a Sprint?

A time-boxed period (1-4 weeks) for developing a product increment. Key aspects: - Consistent duration - Focus on a specific set of backlog items - Review and retrospective at the end.

Fill in the blank: The key artifact of the Scrum framework is the _____.

Product Backlog. It is a prioritized list of features, enhancements, and bug fixes.

True or False: Scrum is a linear process.

False. Scrum is iterative and incremental, allowing for frequent reassessment and adaptation.

What is a Sprint Review?

A meeting held at the end of a Sprint for demonstrating the work completed. Purpose: - Gather feedback - Adapt the backlog - Involve stakeholders.

Describe the Daily Scrum.

A daily 15-minute meeting for team members to synchronize activities. Each member answers: - What did I do yesterday? - What will I do today? - Any blockers?

What does the term 'Increment' mean?

The sum of all completed Product Backlog items at the end of a Sprint. Must meet the Definition of Done.

Cause → Effect: Why conduct a Sprint Retrospective?

To improve processes and team dynamics, leading to better performance in future Sprints.

What is the Definition of Done?

A shared understanding among the Scrum Team of what it means for work to be complete. Criteria might include: - Code reviewed - Tests passed - Documentation updated.

List two artifacts of the Scrum framework.

1. Product Backlog 2. Sprint Backlog

What is a Sprint Backlog?

A list of tasks and items selected from the Product Backlog for a Sprint. It is a dynamic document that evolves as work progresses.

What is the role of stakeholders in Scrum?

Stakeholders provide input and feedback during reviews. They help shape the product by sharing needs and priorities.

True or False: The Scrum framework can be applied outside of software development.

True. Scrum principles can be adapted for various project management contexts.

How often are Sprints completed?

Sprints are time-boxed and typically last between 1 to 4 weeks. Each Sprint results in a potentially releasable product increment.

User Stories → Definition

User stories are informal, natural language descriptions of features from an end-user perspective. They typically follow the format: 'As a [type of user], I want [some goal] so that [some reason]'.

True or False: Agile promotes rigid planning.

False. Agile emphasizes flexibility, allowing teams to adapt quickly to changing requirements over strict planning.

Definition of Continuous Integration

Continuous integration is a practice where developers frequently integrate their code changes into a shared repository. Automated tests are run to identify integration issues early.

Pair Programming → Advantages

Pair programming involves two developers working together at one workstation. Benefits include: - Enhanced code quality - Knowledge sharing - Increased collaboration

Define Retrospective.

A retrospective is a regular meeting where the team reflects on past work to identify improvements for future sprints.

Fill in the blank: ___ Iteration is a time-boxed period for development.

Sprint. A sprint typically lasts 1-4 weeks and includes planning, execution, and review phases.

Difference between Scrum and Kanban.

Scrum uses fixed-length sprints and roles while Kanban focuses on continuous flow and flexibility. Both are Agile methodologies but differ in structure.

Definition of Daily Standup.

A daily standup is a short meeting (15 minutes) for team members to discuss progress, plans for the day, and any blockers they face. It promotes accountability and communication.

Cause → Effect of Agile Practices

Cause: Regular feedback loops. Effect: Faster adjustment to requirements and improved product quality.

True or False: Agile does not use documentation.

False. Agile values working software over comprehensive documentation but still recognizes the importance of necessary documentation.

Definition of Sprint Review.

A sprint review is held at the end of each sprint to demonstrate completed work to stakeholders, gather feedback, and discuss the next steps.

What is a Burndown Chart?

A burndown chart visually represents the amount of work remaining in a sprint. It helps teams track progress and predict if they will complete the work on time.