Agile Modeling on an Extreme Programming Project

by Scott W. Ambler

Modeling is an important part of any software process. Yes, even Extreme Programming (XP), includes modeling techniques. Contrary to what XP's detractors will tell you, XP does not abandon modeling; instead, it minimizes modeling efforts by taking a test-first approach to design in which you develop your tests before you develop your code. This forces you to think through how you will build your software before you actually build it, exactly as traditional design modeling does. XP fulfills some of the goals of modeling -- understanding what it is you're building, communicating your approach -- in different ways and therefore requires less modeling. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.