Overview of Different Agile methods

Agile is a Family of Methods

Agile is an umbrella term, not a single method. Several frameworks implement Agile values in different ways, and teams often choose (or blend) the one that best fits their culture and project.

Scrum

The most widely adopted Agile framework. Work is organized into fixed-length iterations called Sprints, with defined roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team) and events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Retrospective).

Kanban

A visual, flow-based method that uses a board with columns like To Do, In Progress, and Done. Kanban limits work-in-progress and focuses on continuous delivery rather than fixed-length sprints.

Extreme Programming (XP)

Focuses heavily on engineering practices such as pair programming, test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration, and frequent small releases to maximize code quality and responsiveness to change.

Lean and Scrumban

Lean applies manufacturing principles (eliminate waste, amplify learning) to software delivery. Scrumban is a hybrid that combines Scrum's structure with Kanban's flow-based visualization.

Choosing a Method

Scrum suits teams that benefit from a regular cadence and clear roles; Kanban suits teams with continuous, unpredictable inflow of work such as support teams; XP suits teams that want strong engineering discipline.