Definition
Incremental delivery is an approach to software development and project management where a product is built and released in small, manageable pieces. Each increment adds a small amount of functionality, allowing for continuous feedback and adaptation throughout the development lifecycle. This method involves planning, designing, building, and testing each increment before moving on to the next. It matters on the job because it allows teams to deliver value to stakeholders sooner, reduce the risk of large-scale failures, and adapt to changing requirements more effectively. For instance, a web application might be released with core user authentication and profile management in the first increment, followed by e-commerce features in subsequent increments. This differs from a big bang release where the entire product is delivered at once, often leading to higher risk and longer time to market. Incremental delivery concepts are frequently tested on project management certifications like PMP and CAPM.