Difference between Agile and Scrum

Why Understanding Agile vs. Scrum Matters

Agile is a methodology that helps teams build products through iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability. Scrum is a framework within Agile that provides a structured way to manage work using fixed-length iterations called sprints.

Many teams confuse Agile and Scrum, assuming they are interchangeable. In reality, Agile is a broad concept that includes multiple frameworks like Scrum and Kanban. Understanding the difference helps teams choose the right approach for their projects.

Jira Software is designed to support Agile teams. It provides tools like Scrum boards, Kanban boards, and backlogs to help teams manage their work efficiently. Whether a team follows Scrum, Kanban, or a hybrid model, Jira offers features to track tasks, sprints, and workflows in real time.

This article explains the key differences between Agile and Scrum, how Jira supports both approaches, and how teams can use it to optimize their development process.

Key topics covered:

• What is Agile, and how does it work?
• What is Scrum, and how does it differ from Agile?
• How to use Jira for Agile and Scrum projects.
• Best practices for Agile project management in Jira.

Next, we’ll look at Agile as a methodology and its core principles.

What is Agile?

Agile is a project management methodology that focuses on flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development. It helps teams adapt to changing requirements and deliver value faster. Agile is widely used in software development, but it can also be applied to marketing, HR, and other business functions.

Core Agile Principles

Agile is based on the Agile Manifesto, which prioritizes:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
• Working software over comprehensive documentation.
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
• Responding to change over following a fixed plan.

Unlike traditional project management, Agile teams work in small, iterative cycles. They deliver working features frequently, gather user feedback, and make adjustments as needed.

Key Characteristics of Agile

• Iterative development: Work is delivered in short cycles rather than all at once.
• Customer-focused: Frequent feedback helps teams improve the product.
• Collaborative approach: Teams, stakeholders, and customers work closely.
• Adaptability: Priorities can shift based on changing needs.

Agile is not a single framework, it includes Scrum, Kanban, and other approaches. Each framework follows Agile principles but has different structures and workflows.

What is Scrum?

Scrum is a framework within Agile that organizes work into structured cycles called sprints. It is designed for small, cross-functional teams working on complex projects. Unlike Agile, which is a broad methodology, Scrum provides a specific set of rules, roles, and meetings to help teams manage work effectively.

Key Elements of Scrum

1. Sprints – Fixed-length iterations (1-4 weeks) where teams complete a set of tasks.

2. Scrum Roles:

• Scrum Master – Facilitates the process and removes blockers.
• Product Owner – Defines priorities and manages the backlog.
• Development Team – Builds, tests, and delivers the product.

3.Scrum Events:

• Sprint Planning – Define goals and backlog items for the sprint.
• Daily Standups – Short meetings to track progress and address blockers.
• Sprint Review – Demo completed work to stakeholders and get feedback.
• Sprint Retrospective – Reflect on what went well and what to improve.

How Scrum Differs from Agile

Scrum follows fixed rules for how work should be planned and executed. Agile is more flexible, allowing teams to choose different workflows, planning styles, and iteration lengths.

Scrum teams work within a defined structure, while Agile teams can mix different frameworks, such as Scrum + Kanban (Scrumban), depending on their needs.

Scrum in Jira

Jira Software supports Scrum with:

• Scrum Boards: Organize tasks into columns such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done” to visually track the flow of work.
• Backlog Management: Prioritize, refine, and manage the product backlog, ensuring that the team works on the most valuable items.
• Sprint Planning Tools: Set sprint goals, define the scope, and assign issues to the team for the sprint.
• Burndown Charts: Track the progress of a sprint by visually showing the work remaining over time.

Scrum is ideal for teams that need structured workflows, clear roles, and predictable timelines.

If you want to learn more, read the whole article about scrum vs agile published on TitanApps blog.