Agile Principle: Working Software Over Comprehensive Documentation

• Focus on Delivering Value:
  • The primary goal is to deliver a functional product rather than extensive paperwork.
  • Value comes from the working software, not from the quantity of documentation.
• Meeting Customer Needs:
  • The project should focus on providing what the customer needs.
  • Avoid overwhelming users with unnecessary documentation.
• Barely Sufficient Documentation:
  • Documentation should be minimal yet effective.
  • Example: Instead of a 100-page manual, provide a 5-page quick start guide.
• Just-in-Time Documentation:
  • Documentation should be created when needed, not excessively beforehand.
  • Example: API documentation written just before release rather than at project start.
• Documentation is Necessary but Secondary:
  • While software should be intuitive, minimal documentation is still required.
  • Example: A user-friendly mobile app may still need a simple FAQ page.
• Priority on Product Completion:
  • The primary objective is to complete and deliver the software.
  • Example: Finish developing a feature before writing detailed documentation for it.
• Reducing Administrative Paperwork:
  • Minimizing time spent on documentation allows the team to focus on product development.
  • Example: Using a task board instead of creating long status reports.