Which of the following best describes rapid software development?

Rapid software development is primarily characterized by its ability to quickly adapt to fast-changing business needs. This approach is crucial in today's dynamic markets, where requirements can evolve rapidly due to various factors such as competition, technology advancements, or customer feedback.

By focusing on adaptability, rapid software development allows teams to incorporate changes efficiently, fostering an agile and flexible development environment. This methodology often utilizes techniques such as iterative development, where software is built incrementally, allowing for adjustments based on user needs and emerging trends.

The other aspects mentioned in the options, such as a lengthy analysis phase, detailed pre-implementation planning, and extensive testing, are typically associated with more traditional software development methodologies, like the Waterfall model, where a structured and sequential approach is followed. In contrast, the emphasis of rapid software development lies in speed and responsiveness, enabling quicker delivery of functional software to meet immediate user demands.