Feature-Driven Development (FDD) is an Agile methodology that focuses on delivering tangible, working software repeatedly and frequently through a feature-centric approach. Developed by Jeff De Luca in the late 1990s, FDD combines industry best practices into a cohesive whole, tailored to large-sca…Feature-Driven Development (FDD) is an Agile methodology that focuses on delivering tangible, working software repeatedly and frequently through a feature-centric approach. Developed by Jeff De Luca in the late 1990s, FDD combines industry best practices into a cohesive whole, tailored to large-scale projects with complex domains.
The main goal of FDD is to design and build software features every two weeks. A "feature" in FDD is a small, client-valued function that can be implemented in no more than two weeks. This time-boxing ensures that progress is measurable and that client feedback can be incorporated promptly.
FDD follows a five-step process:
1. **Develop an overall model**: Understand the domain and create high-level models to guide development.
2. **Build a features list**: Break down the system functionality into a list of features.
3. **Plan by feature**: Organize the development plan based on feature implementation priorities.
4. **Design by feature**: For each feature, perform detailed design activities.
5. **Build by feature**: Implement, test, and integrate the feature into the system.
Key practices in FDD include domain object modeling, developing by feature, component/class ownership, inspections, configuration management, regular builds, and visibility of progress and results.
Class ownership assigns responsibility for classes to specific developers, fostering accountability and expertise in particular areas of the system. Regular builds and inspections ensure that integration issues are identified early and that code quality remains high.
For project managers, FDD provides clear tracking and reporting mechanisms, as the feature list serves as a tangible measure of progress. It supports scalability, making it suitable for large teams and complex projects.
FDD emphasizes collaboration, but with a stronger focus on individual code ownership compared to other Agile methodologies. It balances the need for structure in large projects with the flexibility of Agile practices.
By focusing on delivering features that provide real value to the client, FDD helps ensure that development efforts are aligned with business objectives, leading to successful project outcomes.
Guide to Feature-Driven Development (FDD)
Feature-Driven Development, or FDD, is an iterative and incremental agile framework that focuses on client-valued feature delivery. It is important in software development for several reasons:
Client-centric focus: FDD emphasizes the delivery of client-valued features, ensuring that the software development process aligns closely with the client’s needs and priorities.
Scalability: The methodology is well-suited for larger teams and projects, providing a structured approach that can manage complexity and maintain coherence across multiple teams.
Visibility and predictability: FDD promotes transparency with regular and frequent reporting of progress, helping stakeholders to understand how the project is evolving.
Quality-driven: By encouraging thorough domain modeling and regular builds, FDD facilitates high-quality software development.
FDD is composed of five basic activities which are:
Develop Overall Model: A comprehensive model is created early in the development process to establish a clear understanding of the domain.
Build Feature List: A list of features is created, with a feature defined as a small, client-valued function expressed in the form "action ".
Plan by Feature: The features are prioritized and scheduled for development.
Design by Feature: Each feature is designed in detail and the design is reviewed before moving on to development.
Build by Feature: The feature is built, ensuring that each one meets the required standards and integrates with the overall model.
To answer questions regarding FDD in an exam, consider these Exam Tips:
Understand the FDD process: Be clear on the five main activities of FDD and how they interconnect.
Consider examples: Think about practical scenarios where FDD would be beneficial and be prepared to discuss them.
Emphasize quality and scalability: FDD is known for these aspects; include them in your answers where relevant.
Know the terminology: Be familiar with FDD-specific terms like 'Feature List' and 'Design by Feature'.
Focus on client value: Remember that the FDD approach is driven by delivering client-valued features, so stress this point in your answers.