What characterizes the agile development approach?

The agile development approach is fundamentally characterized by an iterative method that focuses on delivering incremental software builds throughout the project lifecycle. This means that rather than following a strict linear path from start to finish, agile teams work in short cycles known as iterations or sprints, allowing them to develop features, gather feedback, and refine the product continuously.

This approach facilitates adaptability to changes, as requirements can evolve based on user feedback and project dynamics. Teams can prioritize the most critical features, respond quickly to new ideas or changes, and ultimately create a product that better meets user needs by engaging stakeholders continuously.

Emphasizing short cycles and rapid development aligns with the agile principles of collaboration, flexibility, and customer-centricity, making it a powerful methodology in modern software development.