Incremental development is a software development methodology where the system is designed, implemented, and tested incrementally (in small segments or pieces) until the entire system is complete. Rather than delivering the entire system at once, developers divide the project into smaller, manageable sections, each representing a portion of the final product. These sections are developed in iterations, with each iteration building on the previous one, gradually adding more features and functionality. This approach allows for early testing, feedback, and validation of each part of the system, helping to identify issues and make necessary adjustments before proceeding to the next increment.

The incremental development process is highly adaptive and supports flexibility, making it ideal for projects where requirements are expected to evolve over time. By delivering functional portions of the system at regular intervals, stakeholders can see tangible progress, provide feedback, and refine requirements based on the results of each iteration. This approach reduces the risk of large-scale failures and ensures that the development process is aligned with the business goals and user needs. Incremental development is often used in conjunction with agile methodologies, where it promotes continuous delivery and iterative improvement, ultimately leading to a more resilient and user-focused software product.