Wild West to Agile

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The evolution and revolution of software development is explored through personal experiences, from the Apollo moon mission to contemporary digital transformations. In 2023, "technology is your business--no matter what your business." Jim Highsmith examines how we arrived at this point and how a historical perspective can guide us into the future. He recounts his six-decade career, spanning the Wild West era (1966-1979), Structured Methods and Monumental Methodologies (1980s), the Roots of Agile (1990s), and the Agile Era (2001-present). Highsmith highlights the adventurous pioneers, such as Ken Orr and Kent Beck, who aimed to improve software development. Each era is analyzed for its methods, methodologies, and mindsets. This narrative appeals to those from the 1970-1980s seeking shared experiences, newer generations curious about software development's evolution, Agile enthusiasts wanting to understand the birth and growth of Agile methodologies, and anyone with a general interest in information technology. Highsmith's insights are enriched by endorsements from industry leaders who emphasize the importance of understanding this history and the people who shaped it.