Agile methodology and traditional project management approaches differ in several key aspects. Here are some of the main differences:

1. Approach to planning: Traditional project management typically follows a linear, sequential approach to planning. It involves creating a detailed project plan at the beginning of the project and following it throughout the entire project lifecycle. In contrast, Agile methodology embraces an iterative and incremental approach to planning. It focuses on shorter planning cycles, known as sprints, where requirements and priorities can evolve based on feedback and changing needs.
2. Flexibility and adaptability: Agile methodology emphasizes adaptability and responsiveness to change. It recognizes that requirements may evolve over time, and it allows for flexibility in accommodating those changes. Traditional project management, on the other hand, aims to minimize changes once the project plan is finalized and typically requires formal change management processes to incorporate any modifications.
3. Project delivery: Traditional project management approaches often prioritize delivering the final product at the end of the project lifecycle. This can lead to longer development cycles and limited visibility into the progress until the end. Agile methodology, however, focuses on delivering smaller increments of working software or tangible deliverables frequently. This iterative approach allows for faster feedback, early value realization, and the ability to adjust course as needed.
4. Team structure and collaboration: Traditional project management often follows a hierarchical structure, where decisions and directions flow from the top-down. In Agile methodology, self-organizing, cross-functional teams are formed, comprising individuals with diverse skills and expertise. These teams collaborate closely, promote shared responsibility, and encourage active involvement from all members.
5. Stakeholder involvement: Agile methodology encourages continuous stakeholder involvement throughout the project. Stakeholders, including end users and customers, are engaged throughout the development process to provide feedback, prioritize requirements, and validate the delivered increments. Traditional project management may involve stakeholders primarily during defined phases, such as requirements gathering and project review meetings.
6. Documentation: Traditional project management places significant emphasis on comprehensive documentation, including detailed project plans, requirements documents, and formal reports. Agile methodology, while recognizing the importance of documentation, values working software and collaboration over extensive documentation. Agile teams typically focus on lightweight and just-enough documentation to support ongoing development.
7. Risk management: Traditional project management often utilizes formal risk management processes to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. Agile methodology acknowledges the importance of risk management but approaches it more informally, relying on continuous feedback loops, short iterations, and adaptive planning to address and mitigate risks as they arise.

It’s important to note that these are general differences, and both Agile and traditional project management have their strengths and can be suitable in different contexts depending on the nature of the project and the organizational environment.