Agile vs Scrum: Understanding the Core Differences

What is an Agile Methodology?

First,  what is an Agile environment, and what does it look like? An Agile methodology is a collaborative and flexible approach that teams typically adopt to accomplish tasks more efficiently. The project management methodology, which is widely used in software development, is often a more natural way to keep cross-functional team members organized and on track. Using Agile, they work on various iterations of a project, which is then organized into a prioritized backlog based on end-user feedback.

The basic underlying Agile methodology principle is to be flexible enough to make changes as needed. To do so, a project manager allocates a certain amount of time for each phase of a software project. The methodology’s roots are described in more detail, including its 12 core principles, in the Agile Manifesto for Software Development.

What is a Scrum Methodology?

Next, what does a Scrum environment look like? Interestingly, Scrum methodology is an Agile framework that facilitates collaboration and efficiency in software development and testing. Scrum-based development projects are broken into small builds, called sprints, which consist of three components: product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and sprint goals. With each sprint, a specific function is defined, developed, and tested. Depending on the complexity of the project, each sprint lasts two to three weeks. If any business requirements change that warrant a code change, it is quicker and easier to find it in the sprint backlog rather than repeat the entire software development lifecycle, like with a Waterfall methodology.

With this framework, the Scrum Master has a responsibility to guarantee the success of each project.  He or she must ensure that every team member remains on track, address and solve any problems that arise, confirm that the team is following Scrum methodologies, and enforce deadlines.

Also Read: Guide to Scrum Master Career Path

Difference Between Agile and Scrum

The primary difference between Agile and Scrum is that Agile is a project management philosophy that employs a fundamental set of values or principles, whereas Scrum is a precise Agile methodology utilized to facilitate a project.

The key difference between Agile and Scrum is that Scrum is a highly successful methodology for delivering software to a customer, while Agile is a philosophy about how to deliver software to a customer.

Aspect	Agile	Scrum
Definition	Agile is a collaborative and flexible approach used to efficiently accomplish tasks, particularly in software development.	Scrum is an Agile framework that promotes collaboration and efficiency in software development through sprints.
Iterative Approach	Agile teams work on various iterations of a project, organized into a prioritized backlog based on end-user feedback.	Scrum divides projects into small builds called sprints, with each sprint having product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and sprint goals.
Project Flexibility	Agile emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing changes as needed throughout the project.	Scrum is more structured and less flexible, making it ideal for those aiming to deliver results quickly.
Software Delivery Frequency	Agile delivers software regularly for feedback, enabling continuous iteration of development and testing.	Scrum delivers software after each sprint of development.
Suitable Team Size	Agile is suitable for smaller teams and those who prefer simplicity in design and execution.	Scrum is more suited for creative and experimental approaches.
Relationship	Scrum is a specific Agile methodology used to facilitate a project.	Agile is a broader philosophy about how to deliver software to customers.
Comparison to Kanban	Both Agile and Scrum share similarities with Kanban, another Agile framework used for marketing.	Scrum employs predefined roles for team members, while Kanban encourages equal collaboration among all team members.
Process Flow and Flexibility	Scrum uses predefined roles and strict sprints, allowing limited change during a project.	Kanban provides more flexibility throughout a project and is less rigid.

Agile and Scrum differ fundamentally in the sense that Scrum is a methodology that software development teams follow while Agile is a philosophy about how software is delivered to customers.

Scrum is an Agile process aimed at delivering business value in the shortest possible time, whereas Agile is a continuous iteration of development and testing.

In Agile methodology, software is delivered on a regular basis for feedback, whereas in Scrum methodology, software is delivered after each sprint of development.

Agile and Scrum share similar methods like collaborative iterations, and for a good reason:  Scrum is an Agile approach. But while both involve incremental builds for projects, they also have their differences. Scrum is a more rigid method with less flexibility for change, and it’s ideal for those who need to produce results as quickly as possible. Agile is more suited for smaller teams and for those who prefer a more straightforward design and execution, while Scrum is used more for creative and experimental approaches.

It's best to look at it this way: Scrum is always Agile, but Agile is not always Scrum. This means Scrum will encompass the same methodologies of Agile, but Agile may not share some of the same qualities as Scrum.

Scrum vs. Kanban: Differences and Similarities

When talking Agile vs. Scrum, it’s also helpful to understand how Kanban fits into the picture. The Kanban framework, which is also Agile, is often used for marketing. It is a workflow management method and scheduling system that is also often compared to Scrum.

Both Scrum and Kanban have a goal of eliminating waste through iterative work systems. They depend on process flows, and they are also both pull systems, which means team members are required to complete specific tasks before they can pick new ones. 

One significant difference between the two frameworks is that Scrum uses predefined roles for team members, while Kanban encourages equal collaboration by all team members. Scrum also uses strictly followed sprints to measure project deliverables without allowing for much change, while Kanban provides for more flexibility as needed throughout a project.

Conclusion

To keep up with today’s hypercompetitive technology market, companies are hiring Agile developers and Scrum professionals at a rapid rate—and they’re playing pretty well. If you’re looking to build a successful career in Agile or Scrum, adequate training is essential. Not only do the right courses give you the training necessary to succeed while on the job, but with the relevant certifications, you can also set yourself apart from the competition.

If you want to become a certified Scrum Master, checkout  Simplilearn's Agile and Scrum programs, where you'll get an immersive experience on this widely used software development methodology.

Jumpstart your career as a software developer by enrolling in one — or both — programs today!

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Scrum and Agile?

Agile is a development methodology based on iterative and incremental approach. Scrum is an implementation of agile methodology in which incremental changes are delivered timely. 

2: Is Scrum part of Agile?

Yes, scrum is a part of Agile. Agile is the project management approach and scrum is the method used to implement it. 

3. Is sprint Scrum or Agile?

Sprint is a dedicated period of time in which a set amount of work will be completed on a project. It is a part of agile methodology.