What is a key characteristic of the iterative process in software development?

The iterative process in software development is defined by the continual refinement of a product through multiple cycles or iterations. One of the key characteristics of this approach is the use of constant feedback, which informs improvements throughout the development process.

This feedback can come from various sources, such as users, stakeholders, or automated testing, and is crucial for identifying areas that require adjustments or enhancements. By incorporating feedback frequently, developers can identify problems early, adapt to changing requirements, and ultimately create a more user-centered and effective product. This cyclical process helps teams stay responsive to the needs of end-users and enables ongoing development even after initial iterations, enhancing overall software quality.

Other approaches may focus on completing distinct phases without overlapping or integrating user feedback as consistently, which can lead to misalignments with user expectations or requirements. This iterative model contrasts with a linear approach, where each phase is completed before moving to the next and often lacks the flexibility seen in iterative frameworks.