How does eXtreme Programming (XP) enhance software development?

eXtreme Programming (XP) enhances software development primarily through its focus on pair programming and frequent testing. In pair programming, two developers collaborate at one workstation. One writes the code while the other reviews each line as it is written, allowing for real-time feedback and immediate corrections. This approach not only improves code quality but also facilitates knowledge sharing between team members, enhancing the overall skill set within the team.

Frequent testing is another crucial aspect of XP. By integrating testing into the development process, teams can quickly identify and resolve issues before they become bigger problems. This constant testing helps ensure that the software is always in a working state and that any new features or changes are validated immediately. Overall, these practices lead to higher quality software, faster delivery times, and a more adaptive development process that can respond quickly to changing requirements.

The other options reflect methodologies that contrast with the principles of XP. For instance, the waterfall method is a linear and sequential approach that does not support the iterative and agile practices that XP champions. Developing applications individually undermines the collaborative ethos of XP, which thrives on teamwork and pair programming. Lastly, emphasizing long development cycles is contrary to XP's aim of delivering functional increments of software quickly and iteratively, allowing for frequent user feedback