software life-cycle

software life-cycle

(programming)The phases a software product goes throughbetween when it is conceived and when it is no longeravailable for use. The software life-cycle typically includesthe following: requirements analysis, design,construction, testing (validation), installation, operation,maintenance, and retirement.

The development process tends to run iteratively through thesephases rather than linearly; several models (spiral, waterfalletc.) have been proposed to describe this process.

Other processes associated with a software product are:quality assurance, marketing, sales and support.