Which model focuses on developing a component or system through repeated cycles?

The iterative development model is centered around the concept of refining a component or system through successive cycles or iterations. Each iteration involves going through the stages of planning, development, testing, and reviewing, allowing teams to incorporate feedback and make improvements in subsequent cycles. This approach helps in identifying issues early, adjusting requirements, and enhancing the overall quality of the product while responding flexibly to changes.

In an iterative development model, the product is improved incrementally with each iteration, allowing for regular reassessment of objectives based on user needs and functionality. This continuous feedback loop enables teams to adapt quickly to changes and ensures that the end product better meets user expectations.

While the incremental development model also involves building the system in parts, it doesn’t emphasize the repeated cycles of refinement in the way that the iterative model does. The Waterfall model is linear and does not accommodate revisiting previous stages once moved past them, which mitigates the flexibility that iterative processes provide. The Spiral model, while also involving iterations, is particularly focused on risk management and combining both iterative and incremental approaches, but it is not strictly categorized as an iterative development model. Therefore, the iterative development model specifically highlights the process of developing through repeated cycles, making it the most relevant choice.