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
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)