Lightweight process is a software development approach that prioritizes simplicity, flexibility, and speed over rigid, bureaucratic methodologies. It's the software equivalent of using a scooter to zip through traffic while others are stuck in their bloated, overengineered SUVs.
"We need to adopt a more lightweight process for this project - I don't have time to fill out a million Jira tickets just to change a button color," grumbled the senior engineer as he contemplated switching to a startup.
The team at Trendify.io swears by their lightweight process, claiming it allows them to "move fast and break things" - though the pile of broken things seems to be growing by the day.
Martin Fowler explores various lightweight processes like XP, Scrum, and Crystal in his article The New Methodology, perfect for those who want to sound smart at agile meetups.
If you're wondering how to scale your lightweight process beyond a couple of pizza-fueled hackers, check out the report on the Canadian Workshop on Scaling XP/Agile Methods - poutine not included.
For a dose of reality on why your lightweight process might not be working, read Fowler's Boiled Carrot analogy. Spoiler alert: you're probably doing it wrong.
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