Incremental Development Model
The incremental development model is a software development approach in which the system is built and delivered in small, functional increments rather than as a single complete product.
“A type of software development lifecycle model in which the component or system is developed through a series of increments.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Incremental Development Model?
Each increment adds new functionality to the existing system, allowing users to receive value early while enabling continuous feedback and improvement.
Small releases: Functionality is delivered in manageable increments.
Continuous feedback: User feedback influences later increments.
Testing impact: Every increment requires integration and regression testing.
Real World Example
A regulated product team is preparing a release where Incremental development model appears in reviews, test design conversations, or defect triage rather than as an isolated glossary word.
The risk is that the team treats Incremental development model as interchangeable with nearby ISTQB terms. That makes test scope blurry and can lead to weak evidence for the release decision.
The tester anchors the discussion in the official definition, asks where the concept appears in the product, and designs examples that show the difference between Incremental development model and similar ideas.
The page becomes useful in practice because Incremental development model is connected to a specific testing decision, not memorized as a detached definition.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Incremental development model in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Incremental development model to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
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