Why Domain-Driven Design Might Outshine Agile in Software Development
Written on
Understanding Agile and Domain-Driven Design
Agile represents a mindset, while domain-driven design (DDD) is a specific architectural approach to software development. Though they belong to different categories of thought, comparing them reveals valuable insights.
Similarities Between Agile and DDD
Both the agile mindset and DDD share several similarities:
- Business-Focused: They prioritize delivering business value.
- End-Goal Oriented: Both start with the end in mind, focusing on the value provided to clients.
- Cross-Functional Teams: They thrive in environments where development teams are collaborative.
- Customer Collaboration: Both emphasize the importance of working closely with customers.
- Incorporation of Change: Adapting to changes is a fundamental aspect of their processes.
- Aim for Quality: They seek to enhance the quality of software produced.
- Technology Agnostic: Neither prescribes specific technologies as essential for development.
Given these points, it's reasonable to argue that the core purposes of the agile mindset and DDD align closely. The similarities echo principles found in the Agile Manifesto and highlight that both approaches prioritize interpersonal communication over rigid processes.
Differences Between Agile and DDD
While Agile frameworks like the Agile Manifesto, Scrum Guide, or SAFe do not provide concrete guidance on software development practices, DDD offers a structured path. It explicitly begins with understanding the core domain of the business, aiming to solve problems more effectively than competitors.
In contrast, Agile tends to focus more on team dynamics and goal-setting, often losing sight of the overarching business objectives. This is evident in many instances where Agile practices are applied without sufficient emphasis on the business context.
Why Choose DDD Over Agile?
Agile emphasizes the importance of interpersonal interactions, software functionality, and customer feedback. However, what happens when these priorities conflict? This scenario is often overlooked in Agile discussions.
Take Scrum, for instance; when strictly adhering to the Scrum Guide, teams may find themselves executing a predefined script without clear direction on business goals. Here, DDD provides a robust framework that guides software engineers through the design process, ensuring that they keep business value at the forefront.
If Agile focuses on managing people, then DDD is about the meticulous construction of software products, starting from the essential distinction between the problem and the solution. DDD also synergizes with concepts like Team Topologies, bridging software design and team dynamics.
Consider this analogy: calculating the hypotenuse of a triangle can either be done through Pitagoras' theorem or by analyzing how Pitagoras managed his school of mathematics. The former represents DDD, offering clear instructions, while the latter embodies Agile, concentrating on management processes.
Ultimately, DDD encapsulates Agile principles while providing actionable strategies, making it a compelling choice for software development.
Final Reflections
This isn't a pitch for DDD; rather, it's an exploration of why Agile, despite its theoretical strengths, often falters in practice. My experience as a Scrum Master taught me that while Agile is an admirable mindset for fostering product success, it can lead to confusion if not rooted in practical application.
The reality is that success hinges on informed decisions rather than just abstract ideas. When teams seek practical implementations of Agile, many Scrum Masters find themselves at a loss for how to effectively apply the methodology.
Although I don't intend to disparage Scrum or Agile, I believe the Scrum Guide offers organizational language without concrete guidelines for defining or measuring business value. In contrast, DDD aligns design closely with the needs and language of clients, which is crucial for software development.
While Agile can be beneficial across various business contexts, its application in software development requires a focus on software itself. High-level professionals may find success with Agile, but the underlying factor is their expertise. Otherwise, Agile can devolve into a collection of buzzwords masking inefficiencies.
Forget the term "Agile" and adopt an agile mindset by being responsive to changes and attentive to client needs. In the realm of software, consider DDD as your compass. While it doesn't guarantee success, it ensures that business considerations remain central to your software development efforts, marking a significant advancement beyond Agile.
Chapter 1: The Core Philosophy
In this section, we will delve deeper into the foundational concepts of Agile and DDD.
The first video, "Paul Rayner — How Agile Can Cripple Effective Design Work (and what to do about it)," explores the pitfalls of Agile in design contexts and offers strategies for improvement.
Chapter 2: Effective Practices in DDD
Here, we will examine actionable practices within the DDD framework.
The second video, "STOP dogmatic Domain Driven Design," challenges rigid interpretations of DDD and encourages flexibility in its application.