Extreme programming (XP) helps you complete high-quality software projects, faster.
Are you a team leader or project manager looking for a way to improve your team's deliverables? Choosing the right project management methodology is critical.
First introduced in 1996, extreme programming can help you and your team create a better product in less time. Let's take a look at what XP is and how it works so you can determine whether it's the right project management methodology for your needs.
/ What is extreme programming?
Extreme programming is an Agile software development methodology that relies on meeting tight deadlines and getting the most usable parts of a software project done first. It features short project turnarounds and several releases that lead up to the full completion of the project. The overall goal is to deliver higher-quality software in shorter time frames.
Extreme programming principles
XP delineates specific and appropriate engineering practices for software development in one-week increments. It can improve a software project in five key areas.
1. Communication
Team members need to share knowledge to bring a project to fruition. They must also effectively communicate with clients and customers. Your business must determine the best communication method for each situation, from exchanging renderings of what the software's basic programming architecture should look like to scheduling meetings to discuss progress.
2. Simplicity
Simpler programs are easier to maintain, update, deploy, and support. When the project starts, focus on addressing the main functionality of the software while fulfilling only the requirements your team knows about/that were requested by the client at the outset.
3. Feedback
Constant feedback can keep things simple and your project on track. For example, if a team member has a great idea to make a project move faster, they should communicate it to the rest of the team. Such ideas could shift your team's way of doing things. Don't wait until something breaks to seek or give feedback.
4. Courage
Courage, with respect to extreme programming, means being brave enough to point out processes or organizational structures that don't work and offer alternatives. It also means acting on feedback, even when it's unpleasant.
5. Respect
Working under tight deadlines can generate stress and pressure. It's important for your team to still treat each other with respect. Keep feedback and communication honest but also respectful when trying to solve problems as a team.
Extreme programming processes
XP follows five basic processes, which are scalable and repeatable across all software projects from start to finish.
1. Planning
Every project starts with planning. In the planning phase, the customer meets with the team to outline their requirements for the finished project. The team then breaks down the entire project into weekly iterations and plans tasks in one-week increments to complete as much work as quickly as possible.
2. Designing
Designing software in extreme programming requires an incremental design process. Each team member should work on the design every day, continually searching for opportunities to improve while reducing duplication. Good design keeps things as simple and straightforward as possible.
3. Coding
Coding is where concepts turn into reality. The team has a shared code—owned collectively—making every developer responsible for the entire project. Encourage communication across your team, particularly in this stage, to increase the quality of each incremental project phase.
4. Testing
XP relies on test-driven development (TDD) in a simple cycle. First, create a failing test. Then, produce code that passes the test. While designing the code to pass the established test, teams learn to make it as simple as possible.
5. Listening
All parties must listen to feedback as they work and communicate. That's ultimately what moves a project forward, and allows everyone to succeed.
Extreme programming roles
Four main roles help bring each extreme programming project to fruition. These roles work together to make the best possible product in the shortest amount of time.
1. The customer
Customers make business decisions about the project, give feedback, and outline user stories that drive the end goal of the software.
2. Developers or programmers
These are the team members responsible for creating the end product. They follow weekly cycles to get the work done.
3. Tracker/Manager
A tracker or manager forms the link between clients and developers. The project tracker or manager helps keep the team on task, on time, and within budget.
4. Coaches
The role of a coach in extreme programming is to mentor everyone involved about XP values and principles. Coaches usually take a consulting role, and they have often implemented an XP methodology before.
When to use extreme programming
XP is ideal for teams of two to 12 people to effectively and efficiently deliver an end product within a specified time frame.
Despite its name and typical use for software programming, extreme programming can be used by any company or industry with a standard, incremental process for a final product, such as manufacturing, web design, and marketing.
Businesses in these fields typically have dedicated teams that use regular, systematic approaches and outcomes for success.
More project management resources for your team
Whether you're looking for the right project management software to implement extreme programming principles or already have a tool and need additional resources to maximize your software, Capterra can help.
Check out these additional project management resources: