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Iterative development is defined as a design, develop, and test cycle that is repeated until a fully functional solution is achieved. This approach allows teams to continuously refine and enhance the product through multiple iterations, incorporating feedback and learning from each completed cycle.

The iterative cycle breaks the work into smaller, manageable segments, enabling teams to focus on incremental improvements. Through regular testing and evaluation, teams can identify issues early, adapt to changing requirements, and make enhancements based on user feedback or market changes. This method fosters collaboration, flexibility, and responsiveness in the development process, ensuring that the final product more closely aligns with stakeholder needs and expectations.

In contrast, other options describe different approaches or concepts. For instance, a gated process implies a rigid structure where development is contingent upon the completion of prior phases, which does not accommodate the iterative adjustments common in agile methodologies. An early sample or prototype refers to a concept or process testing phase, rather than a full cycle of development like iterative development embodies. Lastly, the mention of planning, organizing, and controlling resources pertains to project management, rather than specifically focusing on the iterative aspect of development. Each of these alternatives lacks the core iterative mechanism that allows for continuous improvement throughout the development lifecycle.