Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
Iterative Development Model – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A software development lifecycle in which the project is divided into a series of iterations that repeatedly refine the product.
In simple words
You build the product in loops, learning and refining each time, instead of one big waterfall.
Exam tip
Agile is a special case of iterative development with short, time-boxed iterations.
Related terms
- Incremental Development ModelYou ship the product piece by piece, adding features over time instead of all at once.
- Agile DevelopmentShort sprints, close collaboration, working software over documentation, and continuous change.
- Waterfall ModelRequirements → design → build → test → release, in a straight line with limited backtracking.
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