Agile Software Development

University of Minnesota via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/agile-software-development

Introduction

### Course Review: Agile Software Development on Coursera In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving software industry, understanding and implementing agile methodologies is essential for anyone involved in software development. The "Agile Software Development" course on Coursera delivers a comprehensive introduction to agile principles and practices, making it a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to refine their skills. #### Course Overview With the software landscape constantly changing, traditional methods often fall short in accommodating evolving requirements. This course addresses these challenges by diving deep into agile methodologies, exploring why they are becoming the preferred choice for managing projects with unpredictable requirements. The curriculum covers foundational concepts of agile, along with an in-depth examination of prominent frameworks such as Scrum and XP (Extreme Programming). #### Prerequisites Before embarking on this course, a fundamental understanding of the software development process and methodologies is required. This prerequisite ensures that participants can engage with the content effectively, leveraging their existing knowledge to comprehend agile principles more fully. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Agile Fundamentals** - This introductory module sets the stage by exploring the agile mindset, which is central to agile methods. It contrasts agile with traditional methodologies, highlighting situations where agile is more beneficial. Learners will gain insights into how to implement an agile mindset and review various frameworks that facilitate agile practices. 2. **Requirements and Planning** - Here, you will learn about the intricacies of user stories—an essential component of agile development—and agile estimation and planning techniques. This module is critical for those looking to translate requirements into functional deliverables efficiently. 3. **Scrum** - As one of the most widely adopted agile frameworks, Scrum is the focus of this module. You will explore Scrum practices, including sprints, roles (such as Scrum Master and Product Owner), and ceremonies (like daily stand-ups and retrospectives). Understanding these practices provides a solid foundation for successful Scrum implementation. 4. **XP and Course Wrap-up** - The final module compares Scrum to XP while introducing some key engineering practices associated with XP. This comparison helps learners appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of both frameworks, equipping them with the knowledge to choose the right approach based on their project's needs. #### Why You Should Take This Course The "Agile Software Development" course on Coursera is highly recommended for several reasons: - **Expert-Led Instruction:** This course is designed by industry professionals who understand the nuances of agile practices and their relevance in today's tech environment. - **Flexibility:** Being an online course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it convenient for working professionals to fit into their schedules. - **Practical Insights:** The course content is geared towards practical application, ensuring that learners can implement what they’ve learned in real-world situations. - **Networking Opportunities:** Coursera’s platform encourages interaction with peers, providing an excellent opportunity to discuss ideas, share experiences, and expand your professional network. - **Certification:** Completing this course grants a certificate that can enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile, showcasing your commitment to continual learning and your proficiency in agile methodologies. #### Conclusion In summary, the "Agile Software Development" course on Coursera is a pivotal step for anyone looking to grasp the essentials of agile methodologies. With its structured syllabus and practical approach, it equips participants with the tools they need to thrive in the constantly shifting landscape of software development. Whether you are just starting in your career or looking to deepen your expertise, this course is well worth considering. Enroll today and take a significant step towards mastering agile software development!

Syllabus

Agile Fundamentals

In this module, we will learn about agile mindset, the core behind many agile methods. How agile methods are different than traditional methods and when to use agile methods. We will learn about how to apply agile mindset and finally review different frameworks available to implement agile.

Requirements and Planning

In this module we will learn about user stories and agile estimation and planning techniques.

Scrum

In this module we will learn about Scrum which is one of the most popular agile framework. We will learn about scrum practices and the purpose behind these practices.

XP and Course Wrap-up

In this module, we will compare Scrum to XP and learn about some of the engineering practices from XP.

Overview

Software industry is going crazy on agile methods. It is rapidly becoming the choice for software development where requirements are unpredictable or is expected to change over time. This course will help you gain knowledge on what is agile? Why agile is better suited for these situations? We will also cover some of the most common agile frameworks like scrum and XP in depth. Prerequisite: You need basic knowledge of software development process and software development methodologies. Aft

Skills

Scrum (Software Development) Software Development Kit (SDK) Agile Software Development

Reviews

A very good introduction to Agile methodologies: Scrum and XP. Lectures are easy to follow. Assignments let you put some things into practise, which makes the course more complete and interesting.

It was an awesome course i have every gone through related to agile development. Not just learned things but directly applied and trying to apply these awesome things i have learned in this course

Very useful course and perfect explanation about Agile methodology... Thanks a lot for the Lecturer and for his passion to explain concepts in a simpler manner to understand clearly.

The trainer explains the concepts so fluently. It is like a story listening. One of the best training. All the concepts covered with clear and crisp manner. Definitely a must for a beginner.

Agile will really help us in different aspects of Developing the Software with proper approach and proper planning. And this course is very helpful for us in growing in the Project management side.