Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto is a foundational document that defines the values and principles of Agile software development, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and customer value.
It answers: “What do we value most while building software?”
1. Definition
The Agile Manifesto is a foundational document that defines the values and principles of Agile software development, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and customer value.
It answers: “What do we value most while building software?”
2. The Four Core Values of the Agile Manifesto
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Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Emphasizes collaboration and communication
- For testers: frequent discussions with devs and product owners reduce defects
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Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Focus on delivering usable software
- For testers: validate working features early instead of waiting for documents
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Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Continuous feedback from business
- For testers: acceptance criteria and UAT alignment become critical
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Responding to change over following a plan
- Embrace requirement changes
- For testers: adaptive test scenarios and exploratory testing are essential
3. The 12 Agile Principles (High-Level Summary)
- Early and continuous delivery of valuable software
- Welcome changing requirements
- Deliver working software frequently
- Business and developers work together daily
- Build projects around motivated individuals
- Face-to-face communication is most effective
- Working software is the primary measure of progress
- Sustainable development pace
- Continuous attention to technical excellence
- Simplicity
- Self-organizing teams
- Regular reflection and adjustment
4. Why Agile Manifesto Matters to Manual Testers
- Testing is not a separate phase
- Testers collaborate continuously
- Quality is shared responsibility
- Feedback loops are shorter
- Testing adapts to change
5. Agile Manifesto vs Traditional Mindset
| Aspect | Agile Manifesto | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Flexibility | Rigid plans |
| Testing | Continuous | End-phase |
| Change | Welcomed | Controlled |
6. Real-Time Example
Requirement changes mid-sprint:
- Agile approach: adapt tests quickly
- Tester updates scenarios and acceptance criteria
7. Common Misunderstandings
- Agile means no documentation ❌
- Agile means no planning ❌
- Agile ignores quality ❌
8. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
The Agile Manifesto defines core values and principles that guide Agile development.
Detailed answer:
The Agile Manifesto emphasizes individuals, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change, guiding Agile teams toward flexible and high-quality software delivery.
9. Key Takeaway
The Agile Manifesto provides the philosophy behind Agile testing and development, ensuring adaptability without compromising quality.