What was the main reason for the emergence of agile methods in software development?

The emergence of agile methods in software development primarily stemmed from a dissatisfaction with the overheads associated with conventional software processes. Traditional methodologies, such as the Waterfall model, often involved extensive documentation, rigid planning, and strict sequential phases, which could slow down the development process and make it less adaptable to change.

Agile approaches emphasize flexibility, continuous delivery, and collaboration, allowing teams to respond quickly to changing requirements and customer feedback. This reflects a shift towards valuing working software and customer collaboration over heavy documentation and adherence to predetermined plans. Thus, the acknowledgment of these inefficiencies in conventional methods led to the adoption of agile practices, which prioritize iterative development and foster a more adaptive and responsive environment.