In the context of software development, what does "agile" refer to?

The term "agile" in the context of software development refers to an iterative development and customer collaboration model. Agile methodologies emphasize flexibility, continuous improvement, and customer feedback throughout the development process. This approach allows development teams to adapt to changing requirements and to deliver functional products in short cycles, known as iterations or sprints. By prioritizing collaboration and responsiveness to customer needs, agile practices strive to enhance efficiency and meet project goals effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the principles of agile. A rigid project management methodology implies a strict and inflexible approach that does not align with the adaptive nature of agile. A one-time development process suggests a linear and final approach, whereas agile encourages ongoing revisions and enhancements. A method focusing solely on documentation contrasts with the agile focus on working software and direct interactions; while documentation is important, agile prioritizes immediate customer engagement and iterative feedback over extensive documentation.