In the winter of 1986, seven software engineers from IBM embarked on a retreat in Solitude, Utah. This group, later known as the “gang of seven,” spent a week brainstorming, skiing, and creating a revolutionary new approach to software development. They challenged the traditional, hierarchical method of creating software, which was slow and often resulted in products that didn’t meet user needs. Instead, they proposed a collaborative, iterative process, where software is built piece by piece, with constant feedback and adjustments. This approach, now known as “agile software development,” has transformed the software industry.
Agile development focuses on customer satisfaction and encourages adaptability and flexibility. It prioritises working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan. This radical shift has led to the creation of some of the world’s most successful software, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
Despite its success, the agile approach is not without its critics. Some argue it’s been co-opted by corporations to push workers harder without clear direction. Others claim it’s led to a culture of constant work, with no time for reflection or improvement. Yet, there’s no denying the profound impact this Utah retreat has had on the software world.
Go to source article: https://medium.com/the-atlantic/the-winter-getaway-that-turned-the-software-world-upside-down-51123b08f56f