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Scrum vs XP Engineering Practices

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Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP) are both Agile methodologies, yet they handle engineering practices differently. While Scrum doesn't prescribe any specific technical practices, focusing more on management and collaboration aspects, XP prescribes specific engineering practices like Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration, Pair Programming, etc., believing that high-quality code is the best foundation for responding to change.

Guide to Scrum vs. XP Engineering Practices

Importance: The subject of Scrum vs. XP Engineering Practices is important as the knowledge of these two Agile frameworks helps to manage software development projects more effectively. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two can help teams decide which practices will best suit their unique needs.

What it is: Scrum and XP (Extreme Programming) are two of the most commonly used Agile frameworks. While Scrum emphasizes adaptability and iterative progress, XP focuses on engineering practices that are designed to enhance the quality of the project and includes practices like Pair Programming and Test-Driven Development.

How it works: In Scrum, the development is divided into sprints, and the progress is tracked using daily Scrum meetings and artifacts like the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog. In XP, the development is driven by customer requirements and includes engineering practices like continuous integration, small releases, simple design, etc.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Scrum vs. XP Engineering Practices:
1. Understand the key features and principles of both Scrum and XP.
2. Know the key differences between them; particularly the engineering practices that are emphasized in XP.
3. Use specific examples to demonstrate understanding.
4. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of each framework.
5. Be prepared to argue in favor of one framework over another depending on the context of the exam question.

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CSM - Scrum vs. Other Agile Frameworks Example Questions

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Question 1

In Scrum, a new member who is familiar with the XP practices has joined your team. How should you handle this scenario?

Correct Answer: Observe his XP expertise in operation and consider if any can be beneficially assimilated into your team's current Scrum practices.

The best approach in this scenario is to 'Observe his XP expertise in operation and consider if any can be beneficially assimilated into your team's current Scrum practices.' Scrum is an adaptive and iterative method and encourages assimilation of practices that can improve the process. Forcing a new team member to abandon all his XP practices is not collaborative nor respectful. It may also eliminate potentially beneficial practices. Working only with the new member and following XP while others follow Scrum would lead to fragmentation and inconsistency in the team. Planning a complete switch to XP based on a single team member's recommendation, without exhaustive evaluation, isn't diligent management.

Question 2

A Scrum team wants to improve their code maintainability and reduce technical debt. They are looking at XP practices that can help. Which XP practice would be most impactful to adopt in this scenario?

Correct Answer: Refactoring, which involves continuously improving the code design without changing its external behavior.

Refactoring is the most impactful XP practice to adopt for improving code maintainability and reducing technical debt. Refactoring involves continually improving the code's design without altering its external behavior. By regularly refactoring, the team can keep the codebase clean, readable, and maintainable over time. This practice helps in managing complexity, removing duplication, and ensuring the code remains flexible for future changes. Planning Poker is primarily used for estimation and does not directly impact code maintainability. Pair Programming can lead to better code quality but may not be as effective as refactoring in reducing technical debt across the entire codebase. Small Releases help in delivering working software frequently but do not guarantee maintainable code on their own.

Question 3

Which among the following is true about the difference between Scrum and XP when it comes to changes in the sprint?

Correct Answer: In Scrum, the sprint backlog is not expected to be changed, but in XP, changes are acceptable within iterations.

In Scrum, once a sprint has started, its backlog is not expected to be changed or modified. The team commits to deliver the selected product backlog items and its respective user stories. It maintains a steady work pace to avoid any disruption within the sprint duration. However, in Extreme Programming (XP), changes can be introduced within iterations. XP is more flexible and encourages modifications as it is more focused on customer satisfaction. This allows XP to continuously adapt to the customer's needs and requirements. The other answers are incorrect because: - 'Scrum welcomes changes at any point in the sprint just as XP.' This is wrong as Scrum does not welcome changes once a sprint has started. - 'Under no circumstances will changes be entertained in XP just as in Scrum.' This is incorrect as XP welcomes changes within iterations. - 'Both Scrum and XP never allow changes once the project has begun.' This is wrong as it contradicts the original philosophy of XP that encourages flexibility and customer satisfaction.

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