Scrum, Kanban, Lean and XP: Agile Methods Explained
Scrum, Kanban, Lean and XP are often lumped together as “agile”, but each does a different job. Learn what each method is, how they fit together and which combination suits your team.
Quick answer: Lean is a philosophy of delivering value and removing waste. Agile is a set of values for iterative work. Scrum is an agile framework built on sprints and roles; Kanban is a lean flow method built on visual boards and WIP limits; Extreme Programming (XP) is a set of engineering practices such as TDD, pair programming and continuous integration. Teams often combine them.
1. Key Takeaways
- Lean = value and waste; Agile = iterative values and principles.
- Scrum organises work in sprints with three roles.
- Kanban manages flow with a board and WIP limits.
- XP adds engineering practices: TDD, pairing, CI, small releases.
- They combine well: Scrum + XP, Kanban + XP, Lean + Kanban.
2. Scrum, Kanban, Lean and XP Compared
Scrum is a framework, Kanban a method, Lean a philosophy and XP a set of engineering practices.
3. Lean
Lean, from the Toyota Production System, focuses on delivering customer value and removing waste through flow, pull and continuous improvement.
Its five principles are value, value stream, flow, pull and perfection. Kanban is a lean tool; lean thinking also shaped agile software development.
4. Scrum
Scrum is an agile framework in which a small team delivers a usable increment every sprint, with a Product Owner, Scrum Master and developers.
Its events – sprint planning, daily Scrum, sprint review and retrospective – give a steady rhythm for inspection and adaptation.
5. Kanban
Kanban is a method for managing flow: visualise the work, limit work in progress and improve continuously.
It has no prescribed roles or iterations, so it can be applied on top of how a team already works.
Keep the flow, whatever you mix
Colour-coded lists, cards with images, checklists and due dates – on Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop.
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6. Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme Programming (XP) is an agile method focused on software quality, with practices such as test-driven development, pair programming, continuous integration and small releases.
7. How Lean, Agile, Kanban, Scrum and XP Fit Together
Think of them as layers: Lean is the thinking, Agile the values, Scrum or Kanban the way the team manages work, and XP the way it builds the software.
8. Agile Method Boards in PlanBoards
Here are three boards built in PlanBoards that combine these methods.
XP team board – pairing & TDD
Stories, Pairing (WIP 2), CI and Released – XP practices on a Kanban board.
Lean + Kanban team board
Options, Ready, Doing (WIP 3) and Done – with the value stream map as an image.
Agile methods study plan
To Learn, Learning, Practising and Done – a board for learning the methods themselves.
9. Choosing Your Agile Mix
Most teams combine methods: Scrum + XP for product software, Kanban + XP for continuous delivery, Lean + Kanban across the organisation.
10. FAQ
These are the questions people ask about Scrum, Kanban, Lean and XP.
What is the difference between Scrum, Kanban and Lean?
Lean is a philosophy of value and waste; Scrum is a sprint-based framework; Kanban is a flow method with WIP limits.
Is Kanban lean or agile?
Both. Kanban comes from lean manufacturing and is widely used as an agile method.
What is XP in agile?
Extreme Programming – a set of engineering practices such as TDD, pair programming, continuous integration and small releases.
Can Kanban and XP be used together?
Yes. Kanban manages the flow of work; XP practices keep quality high as cards move.
Is Scrum part of lean?
Scrum is an agile framework influenced by lean ideas, but it is not part of lean itself.
Which agile method should I start with?
Kanban is easiest to start because it begins with what you do now; Scrum suits teams ready for sprints and new roles.
Can I run Scrum, Kanban and XP boards in PlanBoards?
Yes – columns, WIP limits, checklists and image cards work for all of them, free to use.
11. Sources and Further Reading
These are the sources behind this guide.
- Wikipedia: Lean software development
- Wikipedia: Extreme programming
- Wikipedia: Scrum (software development)
- Wikipedia: Kanban (development)
- Andrew Stellman & Jennifer Greene (2014). Learning Agile: Understanding Scrum, XP, Lean, and Kanban. O’Reilly.
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Mix the methods. Keep the flow.
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