Extreme Programming Spike

Description

When faced with uncertainties or complex problems, development teams create a spike solution – a simple program or prototype – to investigate potential solutions. Unlike regular development work, spikes are not meant for production use; their sole purpose is to gain insights and reduce risk. For businesses, spikes act as hypothesis tests, allowing teams to validate assumptions related to technology, feasibility, or architectural choices.

As hypotheses are tested, teams learn and adapt. Suppose the spike reveals that integrating the payment gateway is more complex than anticipated. The team can adjust their project plan, allocate additional resources, or even reconsider the entire feature. By embracing spikes, businesses foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Each spike informs subsequent development cycles, ensuring that the final product aligns with validated hypotheses.