A systematic literature review of agile software development projects

Context: Agile software development (ASD) is gaining prominence as the leading methodology for modern software development organizations because it enables a fast, effective, and customer-centric approach in the current disruptive and dynamic work environment. Objective: Despite increasing interest in ASD as a research area, the extant literature remains scattered and lacks convergence. This study provides a detailed account of all aspects of ASD, including emerging agile concepts, such as agile governance and large-scale agile implementations. Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) technique identifies 208 relevant articles. The study included papers published between 1999 and 2024. Results: This SLR provides a concise overview of the various theories applied in the context of ASD. The study classifies previous literature into numerous different facets of ASD. In addition, the paper has prepared an extensive list of relevant research questions for future investigations in each domain of ASD. Conclusion: This study offers scholars insights into the status of ASD research as well as the current trends in ASD. Furthermore, the proposed future research questions provide researchers with precise direction for delving deeper into different facets of ASD. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.