What is Scrum
Scrum is an agile approach that emphasizes short work cycles known as sprints, during which the team focuses on completing a set of backlog items. The objective is to produce a functional software increment by the end of the sprint. Scrum is a well-defined framework with specific rules and roles for team members, with the Scrum Master being responsible for ensuring adherence to the rules and meeting the objectives.
What is Kanban
Kanban, on the other hand, is an agile approach that emphasizes continuous workflow. Rather than sprints, Kanban uses a visual Kanban board to represent work in progress, with each task represented by a card that is moved around the board based on its current status. The aim of Kanban is to optimize workflow and minimize waiting time between process steps. Kanban is a more adaptable methodology than Scrum, with no strict rules and the ability to be customized to fit the team’s needs.
The main differences between Scrum and Kanban are as follows:
- Work Cycles:
Scrum employs short work cycles known as sprints, whereas Kanban relies on a continuous workflow. - Rules and Roles:
Scrum has a clear framework with specific rules and roles for team members such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and development team, while Kanban is more flexible and has no defined roles. - Time Orientation:
Scrum concentrates on completing work within a set time frame, while Kanban emphasizes maximizing workflow and minimizing waiting time between process steps. - Prioritization:
Scrum prioritizes work based on business value, while Kanban prioritizes work based on team capacity and process constraints.
Both methodologies have their strengths and limitations, and the decision to use Scrum or Kanban depends on the project type and the development team. Scrum may be more suited for complex projects with a lot of uncertainties, while Kanban may be more suited for projects with a steady and predictable demand.
Ultimately, the choice between Scrum and Kanban should be based on the team’s and project’s requirements.
