Fast and furious: what is extreme programming?

Extreme programming is reshaping how dev teams get things done.
Find out what it is, what the benefits are and why it might not work.

Question: what is the fastest way to create any piece of software? Answer: Extreme programming. Catch: it requires making some tough choices and developing only the bare minimum to make it work. If coding is a race (isn’t it?), extreme programming delivers winners – even if they do not look the part. Welcome to a world where tech specs rule, function trumps form and shaving seconds off coding is an art form. This is what extreme programming means and how it can help businesses. What are we going to dive into?

What is extreme programming?

From the outside, extreme programming, or XP, looks like any agile software development methodology. It shares all the agile principles including iterative structure of projects, customer involvement, and intense communication inside the teams. XP even has the same generic goal as most agile approaches: achieve the shortest iterative development cycles, reducing time-to-market. So why all the buzz?

Extreme programming differs from traditional methodologies because it embraces change rather than following rigid, cascading plans. Instead of a big planning phase at the start of a project, extreme programming schedules smaller and more frequent plannings events at the beginning of each work cycle. The core principle is to test code as frequently and as early as possible. Sounds simple enough, right?

What is extreme programming? Source: Digite

But what truly makes extreme programming unique is its laser-focus on the technical aspects of software development. XP’s bare-bones logic requires focusing only on the key essential tech specs – and pushing everything else aside. It is a no-thrills approach to coding, similar to what low-cost aviation has achieved, where aesthetics or UX/UI are secondary to the main mission – get to where you need to be in the shortest possible time frame.

That makes XP particularly suitable for projects with dynamically changing software requirements or new technologies. It is also a great way to manage a small development team – or break up larger teams into smaller units. To achieve the goal of creating fast, continuous and incremental delivery cycles, extreme programming implies closer and more frequent interaction with customers, constant testing and revisions – which brings advantages, but also some challenges.

What are the benefits of extreme programming?

The biggest advantage is that this methodology saves time and costs throughout the project. Everything non-essential and non-productive is eliminated to reduce expenses and frustration, with a greater focus on coding and testing.

In addition, extreme programming reduces the probability of errors, since it implies carrying out tests with greater frequency. This feature also increases the readability of the code and facilitates future maintenance. Continuous communication and feedback between the team and the client reduces gaps in the processes. The final product can thus reach a high level of quality, because of the number of tests carried out, the precision of the development and the quick resolution of eventual errors.

Extreme programming is also highly adaptable, which allows work to adjust to unexpected customer requests or sudden requirements changes. Clients get exactly what they want and the team moves in the right direction, with lower levels of stress and frustration.

What are the risks of extreme programming?

Despite the undeniable advantages, there are some cases where extreme programming may not be the best solution. First, extreme programming focuses on code rather than design, which, for some, can be a disadvantage. When design gets pushed aside, the final product can leave the customer dissatisfied and it can be harder to imagine what the final product will look like.

Second, extreme programming may not be the best option if the team works remotely, or if customers are geographically far away. Working together, close collaboration, and face-to-face interaction are the main pillars of extreme programming. When programmers work far away from each other or in different time-zones, and when it is not possible to have frequent and close meetings with the customer, implementing it can be difficult or downright impossible. Still, there are a few key best practices to consider when trying out.

Extreme programming: key practices you need to explore for your team

Implementing it represents a major paradigm shift in any company’s culture.

1. Pair programming

This is one of the main features. With XP, at least two programmers work side by side to develop code together. At first, this may seem like an increase in overhead and cost, but it is the way to ensure maximum quality. In this regard, a careful selection of partners is necessary so that the process is carried out with maximum efficiency.

2. Small teams

It is recommended that teams working in extreme programming have between 4 and 8 elements, although more experienced teams can be effective with a greater number of programmers. The minimum of 4 is a way to ensure enough diverse expertise to cover all project needs.

3. Ongoing processes

Planning should consider that the code must be integrated and released at a high rate – a principle also advocated by the “DevOps” movement. This allows the product to be permanently evaluated, so that problems are resolved as soon as possible, which leads to superior quality.

4. Encoding standards

Teams must develop code according to a common set of rules, previously defined and agreed by everyone. Encoding standards assure the product is more consistent, avoid technical debt and keep maintenance efforts to a minimum.

Near Partner, achieving extreme results

Extreme programming is an effective tool – if you know how and when to use it. It can drive the results that customers are looking for, making it possible to achieve efficiency and permanent adaptation to change and new ideas. But it can also make it harder for the user to imagine and validate the end product. It may or may not be suitable for your particular project – so why take the chance? Get in touch with our team so we can dive into your needs and define the best approach. We keep clients super involved, like true partners, keeping their goals at the heart of the process.

Miguel Maximiano

Curious and passionate about technology and futurology. I'm always looking to get more acquainted with the latest AI trends so when the (inevitable) uprising of machines comes maybe they'll consider me a friend. ?