Describe the difference between Scrum and Kanban methodologies.

Scrum vs Kanban: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to Agile methodologies, Scrum and Kanban are two popular approaches that teams often use to manage their projects effectively. While both methodologies share the same goal of improving collaboration, efficiency, and quality in software development, there are some key differences between the two:

Scrum:

• Time-Boxed Iterations: Scrum follows a time-boxed approach where work is divided into fixed-length iterations known as sprints, typically lasting 2-4 weeks.
• Roles and Artifacts: Scrum defines specific roles like Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team, as well as artifacts such as the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Burndown Chart.
• Planning and Estimation: Scrum teams plan their work in advance during sprint planning meetings and use techniques like story points for estimation.

Kanban:

• Continuous Flow: Kanban focuses on a continuous flow of work without predefined time-boxed iterations, allowing teams to complete tasks as they arise.
• Visual Management: Kanban uses visual boards to represent work items and their progress through different stages, providing real-time visibility into the workflow.
• Work in Progress Limits: Kanban limits the number of tasks that can be in progress at any given time, helping to maintain a steady workflow and prevent bottlenecks.

Ultimately, the choice between Scrum and Kanban depends on the specific needs and preferences of a team. While Scrum may be more suitable for projects with defined requirements and frequent feedback cycles, Kanban offers greater flexibility and adaptability for teams with evolving priorities and workflows.