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What do you mean by Agile or Agile Methodology or Agile Process?  

Tags - Agile methodology, software development, project management, Scrum Master, 
Product Owner, sprint, product backlog, changing requirements, project progress, 
team collaboration.

Agile methodology, or simply “Agile,” is an iterative approach to software development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It involves breaking down projects into smaller pieces, called “sprints,” and focusing on delivering a working product at the end of each sprint.

The Agile approach values customer satisfaction and collaboration between the development team and the customer, with an emphasis on delivering value early and often. Agile also places a strong emphasis on adaptability, as requirements and priorities can change over time.

Some of the key principles of Agile include:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
4. Responding to change over following a plan

There are several different Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming (XP), each with its own unique set of practices and principles.

Basic Agile Interview Questions

 

1. What are the different types of Agile Methodology?

There are several different types of Agile Methodologies, each with its own approach, principles, and practices. Some of the most popular Agile Methodologies include:

1. Scrum: Scrum is a popular Agile methodology that is focused on delivering a working product in small iterations called sprints. The Scrum framework includes ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint review, and retrospective meetings.
2. Kanban: Kanban is an Agile methodology that focuses on continuous delivery by visualizing the work, limiting work in progress, and using feedback loops to improve the process.
3. Extreme Programming (XP): XP is an Agile methodology that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and simplicity. It includes practices such as pair programming, test-driven development, and continuous integration.
4. Lean: Lean is an Agile methodology that focuses on reducing waste and maximizing value for the customer. It includes principles such as continuous improvement, flow, and pull.
5. Crystal: Crystal is an Agile methodology that emphasizes communication and frequent delivery. It includes practices such as daily stand-ups, iteration planning, and retrospectives.
6. Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM): DSDM is an Agile methodology that is focused on delivering business value by prioritizing requirements and delivering working software in short iterations.
7. Adaptive Software Development (ASD): ASD is an Agile methodology that emphasizes collaboration and flexibility. It includes practices such as continuous integration, continuous testing, and continuous deployment.

Each of these Agile methodologies has its own unique set of principles, practices, and techniques, but they all share a common focus on delivering value to the customer through collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Agile Process?

 

Advantages of the Agile Process:

1. Flexibility: The Agile process is highly flexible, which allows for changes to be made to the project scope, requirements, and design throughout the development process.
2. Customer Satisfaction: Agile methodology puts a strong emphasis on customer collaboration and satisfaction, which can lead to a better understanding of customer needs and improved customer satisfaction.
3. Continuous Improvement: Agile methodology encourages continuous improvement and learning, which can lead to higher-quality products and a more efficient development process.
4. Faster Time-to-Market: Agile development allows for quicker delivery of working software, which can help companies respond to market changes and stay competitive.
5. Increased Transparency: The Agile process encourages transparency and open communication, which can lead to better teamwork, more trust, and a more collaborative work environment.

Disadvantages of the Agile Process:

1. Lack of Documentation: Agile development often emphasizes working software over comprehensive documentation, which can lead to a lack of documentation and difficulty in maintaining knowledge transfer.
2. Dependence on Customer Availability: Agile development requires frequent communication and collaboration with the customer, which can be challenging if the customer is not available or engaged in the process.
3. Unrealistic Expectations: Agile development may be perceived as a silver bullet that can solve all problems, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when the results are not what was expected.
4. Difficulty in Predicting Costs: Agile development requires a flexible approach, which can make it difficult to accurately predict costs and timelines.
5. Lack of Formal Structure: The Agile process can lack formal structure, which can make it challenging for new team members to onboard and for stakeholders to understand the development process.

3. Explain Agile Testing? What are the principles of Agile Testing?

 

Agile Testing is a testing approach that is aligned with Agile development methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). Agile Testing emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement in order to deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently.

The principles of Agile Testing include:

1. Early and Continuous Testing: Testing is integrated into the development process from the beginning and is done continuously throughout the development cycle.
2. Customer Involvement: Customers are involved in the testing process to ensure that the product meets their needs and expectations.
3. Agile Test Automation: Test automation is an integral part of Agile Testing, as it enables the rapid execution of tests and helps to ensure that the product is delivered quickly and efficiently.
4. Collaborative and Cross-Functional Teams: Testing is done by a collaborative and cross-functional team that includes testers, developers, and other stakeholders.
5. Test-Driven Development: Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a key practice in Agile Testing, in which tests are written before code is written. This helps to ensure that the code meets the requirements and is of high quality.
6. Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery: Agile Testing requires continuous integration and delivery to ensure that the product is delivered quickly and efficiently.
7. Continuous Improvement: Agile Testing is focused on continuous improvement and learning, with the aim of delivering higher-quality software with each iteration.

The principles of Agile Testing emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, which can help teams to deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently.

4. What good qualities an Agile Tester should have?

There are several good qualities an Agile tester should have. Some of them are listed below:

• Positive attitude and solution-oriented
• Focused towards goal
• Excellent communication skills
• Understand and fulfill customer requirements
• Basic knowledge about the Agile process and its principles
• Critical and creative thinking
• Share ideas effectively
• Plan and prioritize work on the basis of requirements
• Cope up with change

5. What do you mean by refactoring?

 

Refactoring is the process of improving the design, structure, and code quality of existing software without changing its functionality. It is a technique used in software development to improve the maintainability, readability, and efficiency of code.

The goal of refactoring is to make code more understandable and easier to modify without changing the behavior of the software. Refactoring can help to reduce technical debt, which is the accumulated cost of maintaining software that is difficult to modify or understand.

Refactoring can involve a variety of techniques, such as simplifying complex code, removing duplication, and improving naming conventions.

Some common refactoring techniques include:

1. Extracting methods: Breaking down large methods into smaller, more manageable pieces of code.
2. Renaming variables and methods: Improving the readability of code by using more descriptive names.
3. Removing duplication: Eliminating redundant code to improve code efficiency and reduce the risk of errors.
4. Simplifying complex conditionals: Making complex if-else statements and switch cases more readable and easier to understand.
5. Encapsulating code: Creating smaller, reusable code blocks that can be called from other parts of the program.

Refactoring should be done carefully and with a clear understanding of the code and its intended functionality. It is often performed during the development process, but can also be done during the maintenance or enhancement phases of the software development lifecycle.

6. What’s the difference between sprint backlog and product backlog?

The Sprint Backlog and Product Backlog are both key components of the Scrum framework for Agile software development. While they are related, they serve different purposes in the Scrum process.

The Product Backlog is a prioritized list of all the features, enhancements, and bug fixes that the development team plans to work on during the project. It is created and maintained by the Product Owner, and it represents the overall vision and goals of the project. The Product Backlog includes all the items that the team needs to deliver in order to meet the project objectives.

The Sprint Backlog, on the other hand, is a subset of the Product Backlog that contains the items that the development team plans to work on during the upcoming Sprint. The Sprint Backlog is created during the Sprint Planning meeting and is owned by the Development Team. It includes the tasks and user stories that the team plans to complete during the Sprint.

In summary, the key differences between the Sprint Backlog and the Product Backlog are:

1. Scope: The Product Backlog includes all the items that the team needs to deliver to meet the project objectives, while the Sprint Backlog includes the items that the team plans to complete during the current Sprint.
2. Ownership: The Product Backlog is owned by the Product Owner, while the Sprint Backlog is owned by the Development Team.
3. Timing: The Product Backlog is constantly evolving throughout the project, while the Sprint Backlog is created and finalized during the Sprint Planning meeting and is not meant to change during the Sprint.

Both the Sprint Backlog and Product Backlog are important tools in the Scrum framework for Agile software development. By prioritizing items on the Product Backlog and selecting the most important items for the Sprint Backlog, the team can work more efficiently and effectively toward delivering high-quality software.

7. What are Spike and Zero Sprint in Agile?

Spike and Zero Sprint are two concepts used in Agile software development.

A Spike is a time-boxed, investigative activity used to gather information, explore options, or create a prototype in order to solve a particular technical problem or challenge. It is a way for the team to learn more about a particular area of the project that is not well understood or to experiment with new ideas. A Spike is typically a short, focused effort that is completed in a single Sprint or less.

A Zero Sprint is a Sprint that takes place before the first official Sprint of the project. It is also sometimes called an “Iteration Zero”. The purpose of a Zero Sprint is to set up the development environment, establish team processes and procedures, and create a high-level plan for the project. During the Zero Sprint, the team may also identify and prioritize items for the Product Backlog and create a rough estimate of the project timeline and budget.

The main differences between a Spike and a Zero Sprint are:

1. Purpose: A Spike is used to investigate and learn about a specific technical problem, while a Zero Sprint is used to set up the project and establish team processes and procedures.
2. Timeframe: A Spike is typically a short, focused effort that is completed in a single Sprint or less, while a Zero Sprint is a full Sprint that takes place before the first official Sprint of the project.

Both Spikes and Zero Sprints are useful tools for Agile teams to ensure that they are working efficiently and effectively towards delivering high-quality software. By using these techniques, the team can identify and resolve technical problems and establish a solid foundation for the project before beginning development work.

8. What’s the difference between Agile methodology and Traditional methodology of Software Development?

 

Agile methodology and Traditional methodology (also known as Waterfall methodology) are two different approaches to software development.

Agile methodology is an iterative, collaborative approach to software development that emphasizes customer involvement, flexible and incremental delivery, and the ability to adapt to changing requirements. In Agile, the development team works in short cycles called Sprints to deliver small pieces of working software and continuously collaborates with the customer to refine and prioritize requirements. Agile methodology values working software over comprehensive documentation and promote frequent testing and feedback throughout the development process.

On the other hand, Traditional methodology (Waterfall) is a linear, sequential approach to software development that emphasizes comprehensive planning, documentation and phased development. In Traditional methodology, the development process is divided into discrete phases such as analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment. Each phase must be completed before the next one can begin, and changes to requirements or design can be difficult and expensive to implement once the project has moved to the next phase.

The key differences between Agile methodology and Traditional methodology are:

1. Approach: Agile is an iterative, collaborative approach to software development, while Traditional methodology is a linear, sequential approach.
2. Customer involvement: Agile emphasizes customer involvement and feedback throughout the development process, while Traditional methodology has limited customer involvement after initial requirements gathering.
3. Flexibility: Agile is designed to be flexible and adaptable to changing requirements, while Traditional methodology has a limited ability to accommodate changes once the project is underway.
4. Documentation: Agile values working software over comprehensive documentation, while Traditional methodology requires detailed documentation at each phase of the project.
5. Delivery: Agile delivers small, working pieces of software frequently, while Traditional methodology delivers the entire software product at the end of the project.

In summary, Agile methodology is a more flexible, customer-focused approach to software development that emphasizes collaboration, frequent delivery, and continuous improvement, while Traditional methodology is a more structured, process-driven approach that emphasizes comprehensive planning and documentation.

 

9. What do you mean by the term “velocity” in Agile?

 

In Agile methodology, “velocity” is a metric used to measure the amount of work a development team can complete during a single Sprint. Velocity is calculated by adding up the number of story points (or other units of work) that the team completes in a Sprint.

The velocity metric helps the team to plan and estimate future work by providing a baseline for how much work they can reasonably expect to complete in a given Sprint. By tracking velocity over time, the team can also identify trends and patterns in their work and make adjustments as needed to improve their efficiency and productivity.

Velocity is not a measure of individual performance, but rather a measure of the team’s collective capacity to deliver work. It is also important to note that velocity is not a fixed or guaranteed measure, as it can vary depending on factors such as team size, skill level, the complexity of the work, and external dependencies.

While velocity is a useful metric for Agile teams, it should be used in conjunction with other measures such as burndown charts, cycle time, and lead time to gain a more complete understanding of the team’s performance and progress.

 

10. What do you mean by a Daily Stand-Up meeting?

A Daily Stand-Up meeting, also known as a Daily Scrum or Daily Stand-Up, is a short, daily meeting that is a key component of the Agile methodology. The purpose of the Daily Stand-Up is to give the development team a regular opportunity to synchronize and plan their work for the day.

The Daily Stand-Up typically lasts between 10-15 minutes and is held at the same time and place every day. During the meeting, each team member answers three questions:

1. What did I accomplish yesterday?
2. What am I planning to do today?
3. Are there any obstacles or issues that are blocking my progress?

The meeting is held standing up to encourage brevity and focus, and to keep the team engaged and alert.

The Daily Stand-Up serves several important functions, including:

1. Synchronizing the team: The Daily Stand-Up allows team members to share their progress and plans with each other, and to identify any dependencies or overlaps in their work.
2. Facilitating communication: The meeting provides a forum for team members to ask questions, raise concerns, and seek help from their colleagues.
3. Identifying obstacles: By sharing obstacles or issues that are blocking their progress, team members can work together to resolve them quickly.
4. Supporting self-organization: The Daily Stand-Up promotes self-organization and accountability within the team by requiring each team member to report on their progress and plans.

Overall, the Daily Stand-Up is a valuable tool for Agile teams to stay on track, communicate effectively, and collaborate efficiently.

 

11. What is Incremental and Iterative Development?

Incremental and iterative development are two approaches to software development that are commonly used in Agile methodology.

Incremental development involves breaking down the development process into smaller, more manageable pieces, or increments. Each increment is developed and delivered independently, and may include only a subset of the overall functionality. Incremental development allows for early delivery of working software and allows the team to respond to feedback and changes more quickly.

Iterative development, on the other hand, involves repeating a cycle of planning, designing, building, and testing until the software is complete. Each iteration typically involves delivering a working piece of software that builds upon the previous iteration. Iterative development allows for continuous improvement and refinement of the software, and enables the team to adapt to changing requirements and feedback.

In practice, incremental and iterative development are often used together in Agile methodology. The development process is broken down into increments, and each increment is developed iteratively, with each iteration building upon the previous one. This approach allows the team to deliver working software early and often, while also allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to changing requirements.

Overall, incremental and iterative development are both valuable approaches to software development that enable Agile teams to deliver high-quality software that meets customer needs in a timely and efficient manner.

Here are the key points for incremental and iterative development:

Incremental Development:

• Breaks down the development process into smaller, more manageable pieces, or increments.
• Each increment is developed and delivered independently.
• Each increment may include only a subset of the overall functionality.
• Allows for early delivery of working software.
• Enables the team to respond to feedback and changes more quickly.
• Helps to manage risks by delivering software in small increments.

Iterative Development:

• Involves repeating a cycle of planning, designing, building, and testing until the software is complete.
• Each iteration typically involves delivering a working piece of software that builds upon the previous iteration.
• Allows for continuous improvement and refinement of the software.
• Enables the team to adapt to changing requirements and feedback.
• Helps to manage risks by testing and validating software at each iteration.
• Allows for early identification and resolution of issues.

Overall, incremental and iterative development are both valuable approaches to software development that can be used together in Agile methodology to deliver high-quality software that meets customer needs in a timely and efficient manner.

12. What is a Product Roadmap in Agile?

 

In Agile methodology, a Product Roadmap is a high-level visual representation of the direction and goals of a product over time. It is a strategic planning document that helps to communicate the product vision, align the team’s efforts, and provide a framework for decision-making.

The Product Roadmap typically includes the following elements:

1. Product vision and goals: A clear and concise statement of the product vision and goals, which serves as a guide for the entire team.
2. Initiatives and themes: A list of high-level initiatives and themes that are aligned with the product vision and goals. Initiatives represent a set of activities that are required to achieve the product vision, while themes represent broad categories of work.
3. Timeline: A timeline that shows when each initiative or theme is planned to be delivered. The timeline may be organized into quarters, months, or other intervals, depending on the needs of the team.
4. Dependencies: A list of dependencies between initiatives or themes, which helps the team to identify potential risks and dependencies that may impact the delivery of the product.
5. Metrics and KPIs: A set of metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that are used to measure the success of the product and the team’s efforts.

The Product Roadmap is a living document that is updated regularly as the team receives feedback and new information. It is used to guide the team’s work and to communicate progress and updates to stakeholders. By providing a clear and concise overview of the product vision, goals, and roadmap, the Product Roadmap helps to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.

13. What are different project management tools that are mostly used in Agile?

There are many project management tools that can be used in Agile methodology, depending on the specific needs of the team. Here are some of the most commonly used Agile project management tools:

1. Scrum boards: A Scrum board is a visual tool that is used to track the progress of work during a sprint. It typically consists of a physical or digital board with columns representing different stages of work (e.g. backlog, in progress, done), and cards representing individual tasks or user stories.
2. Kanban boards: A Kanban board is similar to a Scrum board, but is more flexible and can be used for both Agile and non-Agile projects. It typically consists of a digital board with columns representing different stages of work, and cards representing individual tasks or user stories.
3. Agile project management software: There are many Agile project management tools that can be used to manage sprints, track progress, and communicate with team members. Some popular options include Jira, Trello, and Asana.
4. Collaboration tools: Agile teams rely heavily on communication and collaboration, so tools that facilitate communication and collaboration are essential. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom can be used to facilitate real-time communication and collaboration.
5. Automated testing tools: Agile teams place a high value on automated testing to ensure that software is delivered with high quality. Tools like Selenium, JUnit, and NUnit can be used to automate testing and ensure that software is delivered with fewer bugs.

Overall, there are many project management tools that can be used in Agile methodology, and the specific tools used will depend on the needs of the team and the project.

 

Advanced Agile Interview Questions

 

14. What is the difference between Agile and Scrum?

Agile and Scrum are related but distinct concepts. Agile is a philosophy or mindset that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and rapid feedback in software development. Scrum, on the other hand, is a specific framework for implementing Agile methodologies.

Here are some of the key differences between Agile and Scrum:

1. Scope: Agile is a broader philosophy that can be applied to many different types of projects, not just software development. Scrum, on the other hand, is specifically designed for managing software development projects.
2. Framework: Scrum is a specific framework that defines a set of roles, ceremonies, and artifacts that are used to manage Agile software development projects. Agile, on the other hand, is a broader philosophy that does not provide a specific framework.
3. Roles: Scrum defines specific roles, such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team, that are responsible for different aspects of the project. Agile does not define specific roles, but instead emphasizes collaboration and self-organization.
4. Ceremonies: Scrum defines specific ceremonies, such as Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective, that are used to manage the project. Agile does not define specific ceremonies, but instead emphasizes flexibility and adaptation.
5. Artifacts: Scrum defines specific artifacts, such as the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment, that are used to manage the project. Agile does not define specific artifacts, but instead emphasizes rapid feedback and continuous improvement.

In summary, Agile is a philosophy or mindset that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and rapid feedback in software development, while Scrum is a specific framework for implementing Agile methodologies in software development projects.

15. What do you mean by Pair Programming? Write its advantages.

Pair programming is an Agile software development technique where two programmers work together on the same computer to complete a task. One programmer, the driver, writes the code, while the other programmer, the navigator, reviews the code as it is being written and provides feedback.

Here are some advantages of pair programming:

1. Improved code quality: With two programmers working together, code quality can improve because the navigator can catch errors and provide feedback in real time. This can lead to fewer bugs and a more reliable codebase.
2. Knowledge sharing: Pair programming allows team members to share knowledge and learn from each other. This can lead to a more well-rounded team and can reduce knowledge silos.
3. Collaboration and teamwork: Pair programming emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, which can lead to a more positive and productive work environment.
4. Faster problem-solving: With two people working together, problems can be solved faster than if one person was working alone. This can help speed up the development process and reduce time-to-market.
5. Improved learning: Pair programming can help team members learn new programming techniques and improve their skills. This can lead to a more knowledgeable and skilled team over time.
6. Reduced code review time: Since the navigator is reviewing the code in real-time, there is less need for formal code reviews. This can help speed up the development process and reduce overall project timelines.

Overall, pair programming can be an effective Agile software development technique that can lead to improved code quality, knowledge sharing, collaboration, faster problem-solving, improved learning, and reduced code review time.

16. What is Agile Manifesto? What are its values and principles?

The Agile Manifesto is a set of guiding values and principles for Agile software development that was created by a group of software developers in 2001. The Manifesto outlines the core values and principles of Agile development and is widely used as a framework for managing Agile projects.

Here are the four values of the Agile Manifesto:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
4. Responding to change over following a plan

These values emphasize the importance of focusing on people, collaboration, and flexibility in software development, rather than rigid processes and documentation.

In addition to the values, the Agile Manifesto also outlines 12 principles for Agile software development:

1. Customer satisfaction through early and continuous software delivery
2. Embrace changing requirements, even in late development
3. Deliver working software frequently, with a preference for shorter timescales
4. Collaborate with customers and stakeholders throughout the project
5. Build projects around motivated individuals and give them the support and environment they need
6. Use face-to-face communication as much as possible
7. Measure progress primarily through working software
8. Maintain a sustainable pace of work for the development team
9. Focus on technical excellence and good design
10. Keep things simple and minimize unnecessary work
11. Allow self-organizing teams to make decisions
12. Reflect regularly on the team’s effectiveness and adjust accordingly

These principles emphasize the importance of collaboration, communication, flexibility, and continuous improvement in software development.

Overall, the Agile Manifesto and its values and principles provide a framework for Agile software development that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

17. What are Burn-up and Burn-down charts in Agile?

 

Burn-up and burn-down charts are two types of charts used in Agile project management to track the progress of a project.

A burn-up chart shows the progress of a project by tracking the total amount of work to be done (the scope) and the amount of work completed over time. The chart shows two lines: one for the total amount of work to be done (scope), and one for the amount of work completed. As work is completed, the line for completed work moves up, showing progress towards the goal.

A burn-down chart, on the other hand, shows the progress of a project by tracking the amount of work remaining (the backlog) over time. The chart shows two lines: one for the total amount of work remaining (backlog), and one for the amount of work completed. As work is completed, the line for the backlog moves down, showing progress towards the goal.

Both charts are useful tools for Agile project management because they provide a visual representation of progress over time. They can be used to identify potential issues and make adjustments to the project plan as needed. The burn-up chart can help project managers ensure that the team is on track to complete the project within the allotted time and budget, while the burn-down chart can help the team focus on completing the most important tasks first and adjust their workload accordingly.

 

18. What are the different types of Burn-Down charts?

There are several different types of burn-down charts used in Agile project management:

1. Sprint Burn-Down Chart: This chart tracks the progress of a sprint by showing the amount of work remaining in the sprint backlog over time.
2. Release Burn-Down Chart: This chart tracks the progress of a project release by showing the amount of work remaining in the product backlog over time.
3. Epic Burn-Down Chart: This chart tracks the progress of a large project or feature by showing the amount of work remaining in the epic backlog over time.
4. Team Burn-Down Chart: This chart tracks the progress of a team by showing the amount of work remaining in the sprint backlog or product backlog over time.

5. Portfolio Burn-Down Chart: This chart tracks the progress of a portfolio of projects by showing the amount of work remaining across all projects over time.

Each of these burn-down charts is used to track the progress of a specific aspect of an Agile project and can provide valuable insights into the team’s progress and potential issues that need to be addressed.

19. Name three main Agile frameworks other than Scrum for product development.

Here are three main Agile frameworks other than Scrum for product development:

1. Kanban: Kanban is a visual framework for managing work as it flows through a process. It emphasizes continuous delivery, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.
2. Lean Software Development: Lean Software Development is an Agile framework that emphasizes delivering value to customers quickly and efficiently. It is based on the principles of Lean manufacturing and focuses on reducing waste, optimizing flow, and delivering value.
3. Extreme Programming (XP): Extreme Programming is an Agile framework that emphasizes high-quality software development practices such as continuous integration, automated testing, and pair programming. It also emphasizes close collaboration between developers and customers to ensure that the software meets customer needs.

20. What is “Planning Poker” technique?

“Planning Poker” is an Agile estimation technique used by development teams to estimate the effort required to complete a task or a user story. It is a collaborative and team-based approach to estimation, where the team members collectively estimate the size or complexity of a feature or user story.

The technique involves using a deck of cards, each of which has a number or a sequence of numbers on it representing a specific point value. Each team member is given a deck of cards and the team takes turns selecting cards that represent their estimate for the work involved. The numbers on the cards usually represent the relative size or complexity of the work, rather than actual hours or days.

After each member has chosen a card, the cards are revealed simultaneously, and the estimates are discussed. The team members then repeat the process until a consensus estimate is reached. The goal of Planning Poker is to facilitate more accurate estimates through team collaboration and discussion, and to avoid individual biases that may affect the estimates.

Planning Poker can be an effective tool for Agile teams because it encourages team members to share their expertise and experience, and to have open and constructive discussions about the work involved in a user story or feature. It can also help teams identify potential risks and dependencies that may impact the work, and adjust their plans accordingly.

21. What are a Sprint Planning Meeting, Sprint Review Meeting and Sprint Retrospective Meeting?

The Sprint Planning Meeting, Sprint Review Meeting, and Sprint Retrospective Meeting are key events that take place during each sprint in an Agile project. Here’s a brief overview of each meeting:

1. Sprint Planning Meeting: This meeting is held at the beginning of each sprint, and its purpose is to plan and prepare for the upcoming sprint. The development team and the product owner work together to determine the goals and scope of the sprint, and the tasks and user stories that need to be completed. The team also estimates the effort required for each task, and creates a sprint backlog.
2. Sprint Review Meeting: This meeting is held at the end of each sprint, and its purpose is to review the work completed during the sprint, and to gather feedback from stakeholders. The development team demonstrates the working software or product increment that was completed during the sprint, and stakeholders provide feedback on the progress and any changes or adjustments that may be needed.
3. Sprint Retrospective Meeting: This meeting is held at the end of each sprint, and its purpose is to reflect on the sprint and identify areas for improvement. The development team and the product owner discuss what went well, what didn’t go well, and any opportunities for improvement. The team then creates an action plan to address any issues or challenges that were identified.

These three meetings are essential for effective Agile project management, as they provide opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

22. What do you mean by the term “increment”?

In Agile development, an increment refers to the sum total of all the completed and potentially shippable product backlog items that have been developed during a single sprint. An increment is a step towards the end goal of delivering a fully functional product or software that meets the requirements of the customer.

Each increment is a cohesive piece of functionality that builds upon the previous increment and adds new value to the product. The increments are small enough to be completed within a single sprint, and they should be of high quality and fully tested to ensure that they are potentially shippable.

As the project progresses, each increment is integrated with the previous increments to create a working, potentially shippable product. The incremental approach allows for early and continuous delivery of valuable functionality to the customer, while also enabling the team to receive feedback and make necessary changes and improvements along the way.

23. What are standard or common metrics for Agile? Explain.

Agile projects use a range of metrics to measure progress and provide insight into team performance and product quality. Here are some standard or common metrics for Agile:

1. Velocity: Velocity is a measure of how much work the development team can complete during a sprint, based on the estimated effort for each task or user story. It’s calculated by summing up the effort estimates of all completed tasks or user stories during a sprint.
2. Sprint Burndown Chart: A Sprint Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of the work remaining in a sprint. It tracks the total amount of work remaining in a sprint against the time left to complete it.
3. Cumulative Flow Diagram: A Cumulative Flow Diagram is a chart that provides a visual representation of how work is flowing through the Agile process. It shows the number of items in each stage of the development process, from the product backlog to the completed product.
4. Lead Time: Lead Time is the time it takes for a user story or task to move from the product backlog to completion. It measures the time from the point when a user story is first created to the point when it’s completed and delivered.
5. Cycle Time: Cycle Time is the time it takes for a user story or task to move through the development process, from the point when development work begins to the point when it’s completed and ready for delivery.
6. Defect Rate: The defect Rate measures the number of defects found in a product or system over a period of time. It’s calculated by dividing the number of defects found by the total number of items developed during that period.

These metrics can be used to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and optimize the Agile process. It’s important to note that metrics should be used in conjunction with other measures, such as stakeholder feedback, to gain a comprehensive understanding of team performance and product quality.

 

Scrum Master Interview Questions

 

24. What is Scrum? Write its advantages.

Scrum is an Agile framework for product development that provides a flexible and iterative approach to software development. It is designed to help teams collaborate effectively, respond to changing requirements, and deliver high-quality software quickly.

Here are some advantages of using Scrum:

1. Flexibility: Scrum is a flexible framework that allows teams to respond to changes in requirements or priorities quickly. It provides a framework for rapid iteration and feedback, enabling teams to deliver high-quality software that meets the needs of the customer.
2. Transparency: Scrum provides a transparent process that allows all stakeholders to see progress and track performance. This helps to build trust and alignment among team members, customers, and other stakeholders.
3. Continuous Improvement: Scrum provides a framework for continuous improvement, with regular reviews and retrospectives to identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
4. Collaboration: Scrum promotes collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on delivering value to the customer. This helps to break down silos and promote a culture of shared ownership and responsibility.
5. Reduced Risk: Scrum helps to reduce risk by delivering small, incremental releases that can be tested and validated by customers. This approach reduces the risk of delays, rework, and unexpected changes.
6. Increased Productivity: Scrum helps to increase productivity by providing a clear focus on goals and priorities. It promotes a sense of urgency and encourages team members to work together to achieve common goals.

Overall, Scrum provides a flexible and collaborative approach to software development that helps teams to deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently. It promotes continuous improvement, transparency, and a customer-focused mindset, helping to reduce risk and increase productivity.

25. What are the different roles in Scrum?

Scrum has three primary roles:

1. Scrum Master: The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the Scrum process is followed by the team. They act as a facilitator, coach, and servant leader, helping the team to remove obstacles, solve problems, and deliver high-quality software. The Scrum Master also helps to maintain a positive and productive team dynamic.
2. Product Owner: The Product Owner is responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog, which represents the work that needs to be done by the team. The Product Owner represents the voice of the customer and is responsible for ensuring that the team is delivering value to the customer with each iteration.
3. Development Team: The Development Team is responsible for designing, building, testing, and delivering the product increment. The Development Team is cross-functional, meaning that it includes individuals with a variety of skills and expertise. The team is self-organizing and collaborates to deliver high-quality software that meets the needs of the customer.

Each of these roles is critical to the success of Scrum. The Scrum Master ensures that the process is followed, the Product Owner defines and prioritizes the work, and the Development Team builds and delivers the product increment. Together, these roles promote a collaborative and customer-focused approach to software development that enables teams to deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently.

26. What do you mean by Scrum Master? What are the responsibilities of a Scrum Master?

The Scrum Master is a key role in the Scrum framework, responsible for facilitating the Scrum process and helping the team to deliver high-quality software. The Scrum Master serves as a coach, mentor, and facilitator, helping the team to remove obstacles, solve problems, and work together more effectively. Some of the key responsibilities of a Scrum Master include:

1. Facilitating the Scrum process: The Scrum Master ensures that the team is following the Scrum process, which includes Sprint planning, daily stand-ups, Sprint reviews, and Sprint retrospectives.
2. Removing obstacles: The Scrum Master helps the team to identify and remove obstacles that are preventing them from delivering high-quality software. This may include anything from technical issues to team dynamics or process-related problems.
3. Coaching the team: The Scrum Master coaches the team on Agile principles and practices, helping them to continuously improve and deliver more value to the customer.
4. Facilitating communication: The Scrum Master facilitates communication between the team, Product Owner, and stakeholders, helping to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.
5. Ensuring a positive team dynamic: The Scrum Master helps to create a positive and productive team dynamic, promoting collaboration, trust, and respect among team members.

Overall, the Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the Scrum process is followed and that the team is working together effectively to deliver high-quality software. By serving as a coach, mentor, and facilitator, the Scrum Master helps the team to continuously improve and deliver more value to the customer.

27. What are the main artifacts of the Scrum Framework?

The Scrum Framework is a popular agile methodology used in software development to manage complex projects. The main artifacts of the Scrum Framework are:

1. Product Backlog: The product backlog is a prioritized list of features or items that need to be developed to meet the project’s goals. The product owner is responsible for maintaining the product backlog, which includes adding new items, removing unnecessary items, and updating the priority of items.
2. Sprint Backlog: The sprint backlog is a subset of the product backlog that the development team commits to delivering during a sprint. The sprint backlog is created during the sprint planning meeting and is updated daily during the daily scrum meeting.
3. Increment: The increment is the sum of all the product backlog items completed during a sprint. The increment should be a working product that can be released to customers at the end of the sprint.
4. Burn-Down Chart: The burn-down chart is a visual representation of the work remaining in a sprint. It shows the amount of work remaining on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. The burn-down chart is updated daily during the sprint to track progress.

These artifacts help ensure that the development team has a clear understanding of the project goals and what needs to be accomplished during each sprint. They also provide transparency and visibility into the progress of the project, helping to identify any issues early on and allowing for adjustments to be made as needed.

28. Explain the terms User story, Epic, and Tasks in Scrum?

In Scrum, user stories, epics, and tasks are important concepts related to the product backlog and sprint planning. Here’s an explanation of each:

1. User Story: A user story is a description of a feature or functionality of a product from the perspective of the end-user or customer. It typically follows a simple format of “As a [user], I want [functionality], so that [benefit].” User stories are used to describe the requirements or needs of the product and are the building blocks of the product backlog.
2. Epic: An epic is a large body of work that can be broken down into smaller user stories. Epics are used to group related user stories together and provide a higher-level view of the work that needs to be done. An epic may take several sprints to complete, and the team may need to break it down into smaller user stories to make it more manageable.
3. Task: A task is a specific, actionable item that needs to be completed to deliver a user story. Tasks are created during sprint planning and assigned to individual team members. Tasks are typically small and focused, with a clear definition of what needs to be done and who is responsible for doing it. Tasks are used to track progress during the sprint and ensure that work is being completed as planned.

In summary, user stories describe the requirements or needs of the product, epics group related user stories together, and tasks are specific, actionable items that need to be completed to deliver a user story. Together, these concepts help teams plan and prioritize their work in Scrum, ensuring that they are delivering value to the customer in each sprint.

29. What are the important tools that are mostly used in a Scrum Project?

There are several important tools that are commonly used in a Scrum project to help manage the product backlog, sprint planning, and team collaboration. Here are some of the most commonly used tools:

1. Scrum Board: A Scrum board is a visual representation of the team’s work, typically using a whiteboard or software tool. The Scrum board shows the status of each user story or task in the product backlog, with columns for “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” The board is updated daily during the sprint to track progress and ensure that work is on track.
2. Product Backlog Tool: A product backlog tool is used to manage the product backlog, including adding new items, updating priorities, and assigning user stories to sprints. Common tools for managing the product backlog include Jira, Trello, and Asana.
3. Burndown Chart Tool: A burndown chart tool is used to track the team’s progress during the sprint. The chart shows the amount of work remaining on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis, with a target line indicating the amount of work that should be completed each day. Common tools for creating burndown charts include Excel, Google Sheets, and various software tools such as Jira.
4. Communication Tool: Communication is critical in Scrum projects, and teams often use a dedicated communication tool to stay in touch. Popular communication tools include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
5. Code Repository Tool: A code repository tool is used to manage code changes and track versions of the software. Common tools for code repository management include Git, SVN, and Bitbucket.

These tools help Scrum teams collaborate, manage the product backlog, track progress, and stay organized during the project. By using these tools effectively, Scrum teams can work more efficiently and deliver value to the customer more quickly.

30. Explain TimeBoxing in Scrum.

Timeboxing is a technique used in Scrum to limit the amount of time spent on a particular activity or task. Timeboxing helps the Scrum team to focus on completing a specific task within a defined period of time, and it also helps to ensure that the team stays on track and meets their sprint goals.

In Scrum, timeboxing is applied in several different ways:

1. Sprint: The sprint is the primary timebox in Scrum. It is a fixed period of time, typically 2-4 weeks, during which the team works to deliver a potentially shippable product increment. The sprint provides a timebox for the team to plan, execute, and deliver the work.
2. Sprint Planning: Sprint planning is a timebox during which the Scrum team plans the work that will be completed during the sprint. The timebox for sprint planning is typically 4-8 hours for a two-week sprint.
3. Daily Scrum: The daily Scrum is a timebox for the Scrum team to come together and discuss progress, plan for the day ahead, and identify any obstacles that need to be addressed. The timebox for the daily Scrum is typically 15 minutes.
4. Sprint Review: The sprint review is a timebox during which the Scrum team presents the work they completed during the sprint to stakeholders and receives feedback. The timebox for the sprint review is typically 2-4 hours for a two-week sprint.
5. Sprint Retrospective: The sprint retrospective is a timebox for the Scrum team to reflect on the previous sprint and identify areas for improvement. The timebox for the sprint retrospective is typically 1-2 hours for a two-week sprint.

By using timeboxing in Scrum, the team is able to prioritize and focus on the most important tasks, while also ensuring that they are able to deliver value to the customer within a fixed period of time. Timeboxing helps to keep the team disciplined and focused, while also allowing for flexibility and adaptation as needed.

31. Explain the term “impediments” in Scrum.

In Scrum, impediments are obstacles or barriers that prevent the Scrum team from achieving their sprint goal or delivering value to the customer. Impediments can take many forms, such as technical issues, process problems, communication breakdowns, or external factors outside of the team’s control.

Identifying and addressing impediments is an important part of the Scrum framework, as it allows the team to work more efficiently and effectively. The Scrum Master is responsible for identifying and addressing impediments, and the team works together to find solutions and overcome obstacles.

Examples of impediments that a Scrum team might face include:

1. Technical issues, such as software bugs or hardware failures, that prevent the team from completing a task or user story.
2. Process problems, such as inefficient workflows or unclear requirements, that slow down the team’s progress or make it difficult to deliver value to the customer.
3. Communication breakdowns, such as misunderstandings or lack of clarity, that prevent the team from working together effectively.
4. External factors, such as changes in the market or unexpected events, that impact the team’s ability to deliver value to the customer.

When an impediment is identified, the Scrum Master works with the team to find a solution and remove the obstacle. This might involve re-prioritizing tasks, working with stakeholders to clarify requirements, or seeking help from outside resources. By addressing impediments quickly and effectively, the Scrum team is able to work more efficiently and deliver value to the customer more quickly.

32. What is the main role of Sashimi in Scrum?

In Scrum, the term “Sashimi” is not a defined role or term used in the framework. It is possible that you may be referring to the term “Sashimi Slice,” which is a term used to describe the state of a user story or product backlog item.

A Sashimi Slice is a term used to describe a user story or product backlog item that has been implemented end-to-end, with each layer of the system or feature working together to provide a minimal but functional experience for the user. It is called a “slice” because it is a thin vertical slice of the overall functionality of the system or feature, providing just enough value to the user to make it worthwhile.

The concept of Sashimi Slices is important in Scrum because it encourages the team to focus on delivering small, incremental improvements to the product rather than trying to deliver everything at once. By delivering Sashimi Slices, the team can quickly gather feedback from stakeholders and users, and use that feedback to inform future development efforts. This approach allows the team to iterate and improve the product over time, while also delivering value to the customer early and often.

In summary, while there is no specific role or responsibility associated with Sashimi in Scrum, the concept of Sashimi Slices is important in helping Scrum teams deliver value to the customer in small, incremental steps.

33. Explain the term “story point” in Scrum.

In Scrum, a story point is a unit of measure used by the Scrum team to estimate the relative effort required to complete a user story or a product backlog item. Story points are a way for the team to estimate how much work is involved in implementing a particular feature or functionality, based on a combination of factors such as complexity, effort, and uncertainty.

Story points are typically assigned during the sprint planning meeting, where the Scrum team comes together to plan the work for the upcoming sprint. The team collectively assigns story points to each user story or product backlog item based on their understanding of the requirements, technical complexity, and other factors that may impact the effort required to implement the feature.

The exact scale of story points used by each Scrum team may vary, but it is common to use a modified Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 40, 100) to assign story points. The idea is that as the size and complexity of the user story or product backlog item increases, the corresponding story points also increase. However, since story points are a relative measure, they do not equate to a specific amount of time required to complete the work.

Story points are a useful tool in Scrum because they help the team to:

1. Estimate how much work can be completed in a sprint
2. Track their progress and velocity over time
3. Identify potential bottlenecks or areas where more resources may be needed
4. Improve their estimation skills and accuracy over time

It is important to note that story points are not a measure of the quality of the work, and they should not be used to compare the performance of different team members. Instead, they are simply a tool to help the team plan and track their work more effectively.

34. What do you mean by Scrum of Scrums (SoS)?

Scrum of Scrums (SoS) is a technique used in Scrum for coordinating work across multiple Scrum teams. It is a meeting where representatives from each team come together to discuss their progress, identify cross-team dependencies, and coordinate their efforts to ensure the overall project stays on track.

Conclusion

35. Conclusion