ABSTRACT
In software, the “input–process–output” paradigm is the seminal life cycle of all information processing. A life cycle is distinguished by three characteristics: a unit developing in stages, a process regulating the development, and a transition between states moving the unit toward a predetermined goal. A software product development life cycle can be explained as consisting of requirements analysis, an initial design, a proof-of-concept prototype, code development, quality assurance, and delivery. Most modern software development life cycles stress iteration throughout the process and add incremental functionality within each iteration. The life cycle of automobile manufacturing in the United States is different from that in Japan because of the environment, availability of resources, and downstream activities of buying and selling cars. The prototyping phase is perhaps the most important of all steps in the life cycle of a system development.
