Learning Agile: Understanding Scrum, XP, Lean, and Kanban

Andrew Stellman · Jennifer Greene

Nov 2014 · "O'Reilly Media, Inc."

About this eBook

Learning Agile is a comprehensive guide to the most popular agile methods, written in a light and engaging style that makes it easy for you to learn.

Agile has revolutionized the way teams approach software development, but with dozens of agile methodologies to choose from, the decision to "go agile" can be tricky. This practical book helps you sort it out, first by grounding you in agile’s underlying principles, then by describing four specific—and well-used—agile methods: Scrum, extreme programming (XP), Lean, and Kanban.

Each method focuses on a different area of development, but they all aim to change your team’s mindset—from individuals who simply follow a plan to a cohesive group that makes decisions together. Whether you’re considering agile for the first time, or trying it again, you’ll learn how to choose a method that best fits your team and your company.

• Understand the purpose behind agile’s core values and principles
• Learn Scrum’s emphasis on project management, self-organization, and collective commitment
• Focus on software design and architecture with XP practices such as test-first and pair programming
• Use Lean thinking to empower your team, eliminate waste, and deliver software fast
• Learn how Kanban’s practices help you deliver great software by managing flow
• Adopt agile practices and principles with an agile coach

Ratings and reviews

A comprehensive breakdown with practical guidance on several of the most relevant agile methodologies. I was able to make a massive difference in my scrum team using the relatable examples in this book.

I didn't finish this book, it's so verbose. But it is good for introduction to agile project management.

About the author

Andrew Stellman is a developer, architect, speaker, agile coach, project manager, and expert in building better software. He has over two decades of professional experience building software, and has architected large-scale real-time back end systems, managed large international software teams, been a Vice President at a major investment bank, and consulted for companies, schools, and corporations, including Microsoft, the National Bureau of Economic Research, Bank of America, Notre Dame, and MIT. He's had the privilege of working with some pretty amazing programmers during that time, and likes to think that he's learned a few things from them.

Jennifer Greene is an agile coach, development manager, business analyst, project manager, tester, speaker, and authority on software engineering practices and principles. She's been building software for over twenty years in many different domains including media, finance, and IT consulting. She's worked with teams of excellent developers and testers to tackle tough technical problems and focused her career on finding and fixing the habitual process issues that crop up along the way.