System Analysis 2 - Extreme Programming

XP Core Values

Communication, Simplicity, Feedback, Courage, Respect.

When to Use XP

Dynamic requirements, fixed-time projects with new technology, small co-located teams, and support for automated testing.

XP Practices

The Planning Game, small releases, system metaphor, simple design, testing, refactoring, pair programming, collective code ownership, continuous integration, 40-hour work week, on-site customer, coding standards.

Roles in XP

Developer, Manager (Tracker), Coach.

Extreme Programming (XP)

An agile software development framework aiming to produce high-quality software and improve the development team's quality of life.

XP Values

Communication, Simplicity, Feedback, Courage, Respect.

Communication (XP Value)

Prioritizes face-to-face discussions with visual aids (e.g., whiteboards) to transfer knowledge within the team.

Simplicity (XP Value)

Focuses on the simplest solution that works, avoiding unnecessary complexity and future predictions.

Feedback (XP Value)

Continuous input to improve designs, implementation, and team practices.

Courage (XP Value)

Addressing organizational issues, stopping ineffective practices, and acting on feedback.

Respect (XP Value)

Mutual respect among team members to foster collaboration and effective communication.

Dynamically Changing Requirements

XP is suitable when software requirements frequently evolve.

Fixed-Time Projects with New Technology

Mitigates risks in time-constrained projects using unfamiliar tech.

Small Co-Located Teams

Ideal for small, physically close teams.

Automated Testing Support

Requires technology that allows automated unit/functional tests.

The Planning Game

Business prioritizes user stories; developers estimate effort and schedule iterations.

Small Releases

Deliver minimal useful features early and iterate frequently.

System Metaphor

A shared naming convention/story to guide system design.

Simple Design

Design must pass tests, communicate intent, avoid duplication, and minimize components.

Testing

Developers write unit tests; customers define acceptance tests.

Refactoring

Continuously improve code structure without changing functionality (backed by tests).

Pair Programming

Two developers work together at one machine for real-time code review.

Collective Code Ownership

Any developer can modify any code to improve it.

Continuous Integration

Integrate and test code multiple times daily; discard changes if tests fail.

40-Hour Work Week

Avoid overtime to maintain sustainability and productivity.

On-Site Customer

A customer works full-time with the team to clarify requirements.

Coding Standards

Uniform code style to ensure consistency and anonymity of authorship.

Developer (Programmer)

Writes code, tests, refactors, and integrates continuously. Key rights: clear priorities, quality work, self-estimation.

Customer

Defines user stories, writes acceptance tests, sets priorities, and communicates requirements.

Manager (Tracker)

Facilitates planning, monitors progress, tracks defects, and ensures adherence to schedules.

Coach

Guides the team in XP practices, identifies problems, and ensures self-reliance.

Unit Tests

Automated tests by developers for individual code components.

Acceptance Tests

Customer-defined tests to validate system functionality.