The Agile Manifesto is a foundational document for modern software and project management, created in 2001 by seventeen software developers seeking a better way to deliver value through collaboration and adaptability. It sets out four core values — individuals and interactions over processes and tools; working software over comprehensive documentation; customer collaboration over contract negotiation; and responding to change over following a plan.
These values are supported by twelve guiding principles that emphasise frequent delivery, motivated teams, sustainable pace, and continuous improvement. The Agile Manifesto underpins frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP), and remains a touchstone for agile culture in both technology and wider business change.