"In Agile Modeling, Scott Ambler captures the spirit of skillfully applying the UML, patterns, and more-the balance between too much and too little."

-Craig Larman

Extreme Programming (XP) and the Unified Process (UP) have both caused quite a sensation in the software development community. Although XP offers a methodology for faster software development, many developers find that it does not explicitly include modeling time, which is crucial to ensure that a project meets its proposed requirements. UP developers, on the other hand, have found that the UP approach to modeling is too documentation-intensive and top heavy, thus impeding progress.

Enter Agile Modeling (AM)-- a unique methodology specifically designed to enhance your modeling efforts on software development projects.

In this innovative book, Scott Ambler reviews how to:

* Model on an XP project without detracting from its fast-moving and agile software development approach

* Simplify the modeling disciplines/workflows of the UP without losing any of the true benefits of those disciplines

* Use modeling to explore an issue or to facilitate communication

* Effectively apply the UML, and extend it with other methodologies, to meet your real-world development needs

* Reduce the documentation burden on your project by writing agile documents

* Use simple modeling tools, such as index cards and whiteboards, and know when to use complex CASE tools

* Rethink your approach to work areas, modeling teams, and modeling sessions

The companion Web site includes updates to the book, links to XP and AM resources, and ongoing case studies about AM.

Wiley Computer Publishing

Timely. Practical. Reliable.

Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/

Visit the companion Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/ambler

Visit the author's Web site at www.agilemodeling.com

Agile Modeling (AM) is defined as a practices-based process for effective software development modeling and documentation. Following an introduction to AM methodology, the author treats AM in the practical contexts of its principle of using the simplest tools possible, work areas, modeling teams, eXtreme programming, and barriers to developing an "agile culture." Includes a glossary. A companion Web site is available. Ambler is a computer consultant and contributor to such publications as Software Development magazine.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

“…I would not hesitate in recommending this book…” (CVu, October 2004)

“…easy-to-follow…enjoyable writing style…overall the book is impressive…valuable reading…” (Software Testing, Verification & Reliability, March 2003)

XP (Extreme Programming) - eine Methodik für schnellere, kostengünstigere und fehlerreduzierte Softwareentwicklung - hat in der Software Development Community ziemliches Aufsehen erregt. Trotz aller Vorteile gibt es aber auch einen wesentlichen Nachteil: der Mangel an Modellierungszeit, die erforderlich ist, um zu gewährleisten, dass ein Projekt die gestellten Anforderungen auch erfüllt. Scott Ambler hat mit Agile Modeling (AM) ein Verfahren entwickelt, das sich speziell auf die Modellierung von XP-Projekten bezieht und das von Kent Beck und der XP Community empfohlen wird. Dies ist das erste Buch auf dem Markt, das sich ausführlich dem Thema AM widmet und Software-Experten genau erklärt, wie sie Teile von UML und RUP (Rational's Unified Process) zur Modellierung in den XP-Prozess einbeziehen können. Mit umfangreichem Beispielmaterial und begleitender Website.

The first book to cover Agile Modeling, a new modeling technique created specifically for XP projects eXtreme Programming (XP) has created a buzz in the software development community-much like Design Patterns did several years ago. Although XP presents a methodology for faster software development, many developers find that XP does not allow for modeling time, which is critical to ensure that a project meets its proposed requirements. They have also found that standard modeling techniques that use the Unified Modeling Language (UML) often do not work with this methodology. In this innovative book, Software Development columnist Scott Ambler presents Agile Modeling (AM)-a technique that he created for modeling XP projects using pieces of the UML and Rational's Unified Process (RUP). Ambler clearly explains AM, and shows readers how to incorporate AM, UML, and RUP into their development projects with the help of numerous case studies integrated throughout the book.

• AM was created by the author for modeling XP projects-an element lacking in the original XP design
• The XP community and its creator have embraced AM, which should give this book strong market acceptance

Companion Web site at www.agilemodeling.com features updates, links to XP and AM resources, and ongoing case studies about agile modeling.

PART I: INTRODUCTION TO AGILE MODELING.

Introduction.

Agile Modeling Values.

Core Principles.

Supplementary Principles.

Core Practices.

Supplementary Practices.

Order from Chaos: How the AM Practices Fit Together.

PART II: AGILE MODELING IN PRACTICE.

Communication.

Nurturing an Agile Culture.

Using the Simplest Tools Possible?

Agile Work Areas.

Agile Modeling Teams.

Agile Modeling Sessions.

Agile Documentation.

The UML and Beyond.

PART III: AGILE MODELING AND eXTREME PROGRAMMING (XP).

Setting the Record Straight.

Agile Modeling and eXtreme Programming.

Agile Modeling Throughout the XP Lifecycle.

Modeling During the XP Exploration Phase.

Modeling During an XP Iteration: Searching for Items.

Modeling During an XP Iteration: Totaling an Order.

PART IV: AGILE MODELING AND THE UNIFIED PROCESS.

Agile Modeling and the Unified Process.

Agile Modeling Throughout the Unified Process Lifecycle.

Agile Business Modeling.

Agile Requirements.

Agile Analysis and Design.

Agile Infrastructure Management.

Adopting AM on an UP Project.

PART V: LOOKING AHEAD.

Adopting Agile Modeling or Overcoming Adversity.

Conclusion: Choose to Succeed.

Glossary of Definitions and Abbreviations.

References and Suggested Reading.

Appendix A: Modeling Techniques.