Which of the following is characteristic of the software development life cycle (SDLC)?

In the context of the software development life cycle (SDLC), an iterative approach to project management is a key characteristic that enhances flexibility and adaptability in software development. This approach allows developers to refine and improve the software in cycles or iterations. Each iteration involves phases of planning, design, coding, and testing, followed by feedback that informs subsequent iterations. This continuous loop facilitates adjustments based on user feedback and emerging requirements, which leads to a more refined final product.

A linear process, while it may have been a common approach in earlier methodologies, does not accommodate changes or reflections on previous phases, which is essential in today's fast-paced development environments. Similarly, a focus solely on testing and deployment overlooks essential earlier stages of the SDLC, such as requirement analysis and design, which are crucial for successful software development. Finally, while ongoing evaluation of software maintenance is important as software evolves and matures, it is not a defining characteristic of the entire SDLC but rather a consequence of following a solid development process. Thus, the iterative approach encapsulates the dynamic nature of modern software development processes better than any of the other options.