Which development process involves using software packages to quickly create applications tailored to user needs?

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is focused on quickly building applications through the use of pre-built software components or packages that can be easily tailored to meet specific user requirements. This approach emphasizes rapid prototyping and minimizing planning, allowing developers to gather user feedback and make iterative improvements in a swift manner. RAD techniques typically prioritize user involvement and adapt to changing needs, which is essential when creating applications that fulfill specific requirements promptly.

In contrast, Agile development, while also allowing for flexibility and user feedback, generally involves incremental improvements and iterative releases rather than the swift assembly of applications from pre-existing packages. Incremental development is about building systems piece by piece and adding functionality over time, which does not emphasize rapid initial development. Waterfall development, on the other hand, follows a more linear and sequential approach with distinct phases that do not accommodate changes or rapid development as effectively as RAD does. Thus, RAD is distinctly suited for scenarios where quick turnaround and customization based on user needs are the primary goals.