The Agile Manifesto is a set of values and principles that guide agile software development. It was developed by a group of software developers in 2001 who sought to create a more flexible and collaborative approach to software development. The Agile Manifesto emphasizes four key values and twelve principles.

The four values of the Agile Manifesto are:

Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: Agile methodology prioritizes communication and collaboration among team members over strict adherence to processes and tools.

Working software over comprehensive documentation: Agile methodology values working software that meets customer needs over extensive documentation that may not add value to the software.

Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Agile methodology emphasizes the importance of involving the customer in the development process and prioritizes customer satisfaction over contractual agreements.

Responding to change over following a plan: Agile methodology acknowledges that change is inevitable and values the ability to adapt to changes quickly and effectively over following a rigid plan.

The twelve principles of the Agile Manifesto are:

Customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery of valuable software

Welcome changing requirements, even late in the development process

Deliver working software frequently, with a preference for shorter timescales

Collaborate with customers and stakeholders throughout the project

Build projects around motivated individuals and give them the support they need

Use face-to-face communication whenever possible

Measure progress primarily through working software

Maintain a sustainable pace of development

Focus on technical excellence and good design

Keep things simple

Allow self-organizing teams to make decisions

Reflect on the team’s performance and make adjustments to improve continuously.

The Agile Manifesto and its principles serve as a guiding philosophy for agile software development. It helps teams to prioritize customer needs, focus on delivering working software, and adapt to changes quickly and effectively.