Certified Scrum Master Practice Test

Which principle prioritizes working software over documentation in Agile methodology?

1. Comprehensive documentation

2. Customer satisfaction

3. Agile practices

4. Working software

The correct answer is: Working software

The principle that prioritizes working software over documentation is found within the Agile Manifesto, specifically in its values. One of the key tenets of Agile is the preference for working software as the primary measure of progress. This principle reflects the belief that delivering functional software to users is more valuable than producing extensive documentation that may not directly contribute to the end product's effectiveness or usability. The emphasis on working software is rooted in the idea that collaboration with stakeholders and the ability to adapt to changes are more beneficial than strictly adhering to planned documentation. This leads teams to focus more on delivering high-quality, functional software that meets user needs and allows for iterative improvements based on feedback. While customer satisfaction is vital in Agile, as it is often a result of delivering working software, the specific principle that emphasizes the software itself over documentation belongs to the notion of "working software." Agile practices encompass a broader range of methods and techniques and comprehensive documentation does not align with Agile's principles, which prioritize responsiveness over extensive record-keeping.