Struts 2 in Agile Development Environment

In this tutorial section we explains you how Struts 2 can be used in Agile Development environment. Struts 2 fully supports Agile software development methodology and can be used in this iterative and incremental development process of the software system. Struts 2 support for Agile web application development.

Struts 2 in Agile Development Environment


Struts 2 in Agile Development Environment

This article explains you how Struts 2 can be used in Agile Development environment. Struts 2 fully supports Agile software development methodology and can be used in this iterative and incremental development process of the software system.

Agile Development is basically a term used to define a series of software development methodologies, which are developed in order to bring about the fundamental changes which are considered essential for a software development through iterative and incremental approach.

The initial forms of agile methods include Rational Unified Process, Scrum, Crystal Clear, Extreme Programming, Adaptive Software Development, Feature Driven Development, and Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), where were then collectively termed as agile methodologies, after the publication of Agile Manifesto in 2001.

Agile Manifesto:

In February 2001, 17 software developers at the Snowbird, Utah, resort, had a meeting in order to about the lightweight development methods. After the meeting a manifesto was published regarding the Agile Software Development, which defined a new approach called agile software development.

The Agile Manifesto is based on twelve principles:

  1. To satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
  2. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development.
  3. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
  4. Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
  5. Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
  6. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
  7. Working software is the primary measure of progress.
  8. Promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
  9. Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
  10. Simplicity: the art of maximizing the amount of work not done is essential.
  11. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
  12. At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.

Though, each agile methodology follows a unique and specific approach but the vision and core values of all the methods are same as per the Agile Manifesto. All the methods follow the same process of successive approximation and feedback to deliver an efficient software system. Moreover, Agile software development is not only meant for software developers but it also benefits team leaders, project managers, product managers, development managers, testers, Quality analysts, designers and all individuals somehow related to software development.

Agile software developmental process follows a proper cycle, which includes continuous planning, testing, integration, and other forms of continuous evolutionary phases, which involves both project as well as the software. Another advantage with agile development methodology is they are all lightweight unlike the traditional waterfall-style processes, and inherently adaptable. Moreover, it lays emphasis on collaborative approach to work and decision making between the cross-functional teams to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Struts 2 support for Agile web application development:

  • Struts 2 supports iterative development
  • Struts 2 supports test driven development
  • Struts 2 supports automatic testing of the system
  • Struts 2 can be used for developing small and even large scale software system
  • Struts 2 is based on MVC design pattern