This principle is what makes Agile work: get functional software out fast. Planning alone isn’t enough. We must constantly bring tangible, working code to life. “Working software” is key here. It means code that’s tested, deployable, and actually delivers value—not just prototypes or half-baked features. Releasing often, ideally every few weeks, creates a powerful feedback loop.

When building a giant MMO for McDonald’s, we decreased risk significantly by scaffolding our development work directly in what would eventually become our production environment. Waiting until the last minute to split environments allowed us to solve early scaling questions repeatably and handle massive amounts of traffic (way more than expected!) on day one.

Why the push for shorter cycles? This approach cuts down risk. We catch technical glitches or user misunderstandings early. They don’t balloon into costly, eleventh-hour problems. It also keeps everyone invested. Regular deliveries mean stakeholders see progress, offer timely input, and keep the project on track with their changing vision. Finally, it builds momentum and lifts team morale. Seeing their work regularly become a functional product really motivates developers. It sparks a sense of accomplishment and continuous improvement. This principle isn’t just about speed. It’s about smart, repeated effort that consistently cranks out real value.