What does the acronym DRY represent in software development?

The acronym DRY stands for "Don't Repeat Yourself," which is a fundamental principle in software development aimed at reducing duplication within code and improving maintainability. By ensuring that any piece of knowledge or logic is expressed in a single, unambiguous way, DRY encourages developers to create code that is easier to update and less prone to errors.

When the principle is adhered to, changes in logic or data only need to be made in one place, minimizing the risk of inconsistencies and reducing the time required for future modifications. This principle is especially relevant in larger codebases or collaborative environments, where multiple developers may be working on similar functionalities.

The other options either misinterpret the essence of the principle or do not accurately reflect the DRY philosophy. The goal is to promote a streamlined approach to coding that benefits both the developer's workflow and the overall software quality.