Is Scrum considered a methodology that explains how to build software incrementally?

Scrum is not accurately described as a methodology. Instead, it is more appropriately understood as a framework that provides a structured yet flexible approach to software development and project management. This distinction is important because while methodologies tend to prescribe specific processes and practices that must be followed, frameworks like Scrum provide guidelines that can be adapted to fit the needs of particular teams and projects.

Within Scrum, there are key roles (such as the Product Owner and Scrum Master), events (like Sprint Planning and Daily Scrum), and artifacts (including the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog) that facilitate iterative and incremental development. This means that Scrum promotes the creation of software in small, manageable increments, allowing teams to adjust quickly to changes based on feedback.

The option suggesting that Scrum is only applicable to large projects or solely during the initial development phase overlooks the versatility of the framework. Scrum can be effectively employed in a variety of project sizes and contexts, as it emphasizes regular inspection and adaptation, which are crucial for continuous improvement regardless of project scope or stage.