software life-cycle

programming The phases a software product goes through

between when it is conceived and when it is no longer

available for use. The software life-cycle typically includes

the following: requirements analysis, design,

construction, testing (validation), installation, operation,

maintenance, and retirement.

The development process tends to run iteratively through these

phases rather than linearly; several models (spiral, waterfall

etc.) have been proposed to describe this process.

Other processes associated with a software product are:

quality assurance, marketing, sales and support.

(1996-12-27)