October 31, 2003
Agile is Learning
Agile is Learning
All Agile principles and practices are based upon feedback and learning. Kolb presented a model of (adult) learning that involved the following circle of actvities:
Observation
Modelling
Testing
Reflection
This is a model that underlies all aspects of Agile development. In particular, Agile tests models in a production environment. It uses ultimate truth to test models rather than proxies of reality.
XP involves building a model of the business in software, testing it in production, reflecting upon its success, observing, and improving the model. XP provides practices that make it possible to ensure that each iteration improves on the previous iteration, namely automated testing.
XP persists a failure proof memory of all previous tests. No test is forgotten. It is not possible for software to forget a problem that it was developed to solve. The automated tests are infallable compared to human testing. It is possible for software to fail due to a condition for which it was not tested. This is a learning circle for software development.
Agile learns about the process that it uses to develop software. Retrospectives are used to assess the quality of the development process / methodology. Retrospectives are a mechanism to reflect upon the quality of the development process and identify potential improvements to the process. It is then possible to improve upon the development process itself.
The business coach uses this model. Once the business coach discovers that an iteration of learning reveils no additional information, they should stop. Learning may continue if additional information is presented that causes their current business model to fail.
Business models are analagous to the physical models used to describe the real world. They are only valid until they are disproved. Also the models are only valid in the context of that that they describe. Business models do not translate between contexts / domains.
Posted by chrismatts at October 31, 2003 1:48 PMAgree with everything except the statement "Agile tests models in a production environment." That should be a "simulated production" environment. Until it is tested, configuration management says it should not be deployed to production. The testing period of the app is much shorter due to most of it being automated. 100% automation is not possible, how can you automate usability tests?
Posted by: Darrell at November 3, 2003 3:48 AMSir,
Can you please mail me the various phases involved in Agile Testing, something like what we have in the V-Model of Testing, what are various phases while performing agile testing
Sir,If possible please send me the answer as soon as possible. Mail me on c_lele@hotmail.com
Awaiting a Positive reponse from you,
Thank You very much
Best Regards
C Lele