Agile explained: The 4 Agile Manifesto values and 12 principles

The Agile Manifesto, introduced in 2001 by seasoned software engineers, is a foundational document that has significantly influenced not only software development but also various industries by promoting a mindset focused on collaboration, customer-centricity, and adaptability. It outlines four core values—emphasizing individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responsiveness to change over rigid processes, documentation, contract negotiation, and strict planning. These values are complemented by twelve principles that stress continuous delivery, welcoming change, teamwork, sustainable development, technical excellence, simplicity, and reflective practices. While not a methodology or framework itself, Agile serves as a guiding philosophy, with frameworks like Scrum providing more specific instructions for implementation. The document's relevance persists, as its principles of continuous learning and improvement resonate across diverse fields, adapting well beyond its original software-centric context. Despite challenges and critiques, the Agile Manifesto remains a pivotal reference for fostering efficient and innovative development practices.