How do you choose between Extreme Programming and Lean Software Development?

2 LSD Explained

LSD is an agile methodology that derives from the lean manufacturing principles of Toyota. LSD values eliminating waste, optimizing the whole, delivering fast, building quality in, empowering the team, and amplifying learning. LSD follows seven principles that guide the development process. Some of these principles are eliminating waste, deciding as late as possible, delivering as fast as possible, empowering the team, and seeing the whole. LSD aims to maximize value, minimize waste, and optimize the flow of work by applying lean thinking and tools.

3 XP vs LSD: Differences

XP and LSD differ in several aspects, such as their scope, focus, feedback mechanisms, and decision making. XP has a narrower scope than LSD, as it mainly deals with the software development process, while LSD considers the entire software value stream, from conception to delivery. XP focuses more on the technical aspects of software development, such as coding, testing, and refactoring, while LSD focuses more on the business aspects, such as customer value, value stream mapping, and pull systems. XP relies more on direct feedback from customers and tests, while LSD relies more on indirect feedback from metrics and data. XP favors making decisions early and often, while LSD favors delaying decisions until the last responsible moment.

4 XP vs LSD: Similarities

XP and LSD also share some commonalities, such as their agile values, principles, and practices. Both methodologies value customer satisfaction, collaboration, quality, learning, and flexibility over rigid plans, processes, documentation, and contracts. Both methodologies follow the agile manifesto and its four values and 12 principles. Both methodologies also use some similar practices, such as iterations, retrospectives, user stories, and continuous integration. Both methodologies aim to deliver working software that meets the customer's needs and expectations.

5 How to Choose

When deciding between XP and LSD, consider the nature of the project, the characteristics of the team, the customer’s preferences, and the environment’s constraints. Generally speaking, XP is ideal for small and co-located teams with a clear and stable vision, a close and involved customer, and a high demand for quality and change. On the other hand, LSD is best suited for large and distributed teams with a vague and dynamic vision, a distant and diverse customer, and a high demand for speed and value. However, these are not absolute rules – you may find that a hybrid approach combining elements of both methodologies works better. Experimenting, inspecting, and adapting until you find the best fit for your software development needs is key.