volume_mute

First Increment — What It Contains

publish date: 2026/05/31 02:47:39.850034 UTC

volume_mute

In incremental delivery, what does the first increment typically contain, and why?

A complete prototype of the final system, which is then refined in later increments

The highest-priority services, so customers can gain value and use the system immediately while also gaining experience that informs later increments

The lowest-priority features, to save the most important ones for later when the team is more experienced

Only documentation and installation scripts, with no working functionality

Correct Answer

The highest-priority services, so customers can gain value and use the system immediately while also gaining experience that informs later increments

Explanation

The first increment contains the highest-priority services, satisfying the customer's most critical requirements so they can use the software immediately. It also means customers can use early increments as prototypes and gain experience that informs their requirements for later increments.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 9th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Coping with Change Review