Are you ready for Wagile software development?

It’s my theory that people like the concept of agile software development more than they like the specific practices.

That’s why, despite the huge number of conversations in the software development industry about agile methodologies like eXtreme Programming or Scrum, many analysts believe that the actual adoption of agile is rather low.

Another reason might be that it just takes time. It would be a mistake to underestimate inertia. However, I still think that while many developers are interested in what agile methodologies have to offer, the majority simply don’t see that it makes sense to adopt those specific practices.

The January 1, 2008, issue of SD Times kicks off a three-part study into the impact of agile development. Written by senior editor Jennifer deJong, we hope that the series shines some light on the realities of agile – both the good and the bad.

One point brought up in the first story, “Agile Principles Are Changing Everything” is that some shops have created an amalgam of traditional waterfall development and agile methodologies. Nicknamed “wagile,” this pragmatic combo may be the future of enterprise software development. What do you think?