Which of the following best describes the term ‘agile’ in software development?

The term ‘agile’ in software development is best described as an iterative approach to project management. Agile methodologies emphasize flexibility and adaptability throughout the software development process. They allow teams to respond to changes quickly and deliver working software in short cycles, called iterations or sprints. This focus on iterative development enables continuous feedback from stakeholders and customers, ensuring that the product evolves in alignment with user needs and expectations.

In contrast, a method that prioritizes extensive documentation would be more characteristic of traditional practices, where thorough documentation is essential at every stage. Similarly, strategies that focus on large-scale project plans could hinder flexibility and responsiveness to change, which are core principles of agile. Lastly, methodologies that avoid changes during development are contrary to the agile philosophy, which embraces change even late in the development process to enhance the product's quality and usability. Ultimately, agile emphasizes collaboration, customer feedback, and rapid delivery, making the iterative approach the defining characteristic of the methodology.