Extreme programming (XP) is a minimal software development process, that originally consisted of twelve practices including Test driven development and Refactoring. The book Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change by Kent Beck (Addison-Wesley 1999) describes the practices and underlying principles and values in a readable way. The second edition of this book (Addison-Wesley 2004) is a complete rewrite, aimed at the more experienced reader.
XP is distinct from other methodologies and processes by being minimal and concrete. The practices are the starting point for continuous process improvement and they are subordinate to the values feedback, simplicity, communication, courage en continuous learning. XP doesn't pretend to be complete - it addresses a number of essential software development problems and leaves room to add other practices if the context requires it.
If you would like to know more about Extreme Programming and what it can do for you, feel free to contact me. I offer training and coaching in XP and agile software development through my company Piecemeal Growth.
More information
- Dutch XP interest group
- Belgian XP interest group
- http://www.xprogramming.com
- Extreme Programming - A gentle introduction
- A Pair Programming Experience (article in CrossTalk, March 2003) describes a pair programming experiment (outside an XP context) which shows that pair programming is more productive than working alone and leads to less errors.
- Britannica Enters New Era with Java Technology - describes how Extreme Programming, open source technology and Java have been used to create a new CD version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.