Is your team considering agile? Are you interested in agile software development, and want to learn more? Do you think agile might help you build better software? You’re not alone. Agile is increasingly popular with software teams because the ones that have “gone agile” often talk about the great results they get. The software they build is better, which makes a big difference to them and their users. Not only that, but when agile teams are effective, they have a much better time at work! Things are more relaxed, and the working environment is a lot more enjoyable.
Head First Agile is a brain-friendly guide to understanding agile concepts and ideas. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
The agile mindset, what an agile methodology is, and why agile methodologies that seem so different can still all be agile
Scrum, and how it can help you build better, more valuable software, and make your team and your users happier
XP, and how its focus on code and programming can help you and your team build better systems
Lean and Kanban, and how they can help your whole team get better every day
We have two goals for Head First Agile. First and foremost, we want you to learn agile: what it is, and how it can help you build better software and improve your team. But we also are focused on our readers looking to pass the PMI-ACP certification, so not only does the book have 100% coverage of the material for the PMI-ACP exam, it also includes end-of-chapter exam questions, a complete exam study guide, exam tips, and a full-length practice PMI-ACP exam—everything that you need to pass the exam.
So while Head First Agile is useful for developers, project managers, and others who want to prepare for and pass the PMI-ACP certification exam, this unique book is also valuable for software team members (including developers) who don’t necessarily need to pass the PMI-ACP certification exam, but want to learn about agile and how it can help them.
Based on the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory, this book uses a visually rich format to engage your mind, rather than a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multi-sensory learning experience is designed for the way your brain really works.
Chapter 1: What is agile?
Chapter 2: Agile values and principles
Chapter 3: Managing projects with Scrum
Chapter 4: Agile planning and estimation
Chapter 5: XP (eXtreme Programming)
Chapter 6: Lean/Kanban
Chapter 7: Preparing for the PMI-ACP Exam
Chapter 8: Professional responsibility
Chapter 9: Practice makes perfect
