What method addresses the long development time problem of traditional methods by allowing overlapping stages?

Agile Development is recognized for its ability to tackle the long development time issues associated with traditional methods by facilitating overlapping stages in the development process. This approach breaks the project into smaller, manageable pieces called iterations or sprints, typically lasting from one to four weeks. During each iteration, teams work on delivering a functional piece of the software that includes its full range of features, allowing for continuous feedback and improvements throughout the development cycle.

By employing principles like collaboration, flexibility, and customer involvement, Agile Development encourages ongoing adjustments rather than adhering strictly to a pre-defined plan. This not only shortens the time frame for delivery but also enhances adaptability to changing requirements. Additionally, stakeholders can see progress incrementally, making it easier to integrate feedback before moving on to the next stage.

In contrast, methods like the Iterative Method, Rapid Application Development (RAD), and the Spiral Method also aim to promote efficiency and flexibility in development. However, Agile stands out for its specific structure of short cycles and strong emphasis on team collaboration and customer input, which directly addresses the challenges of long development timelines inherent in traditional models.