When creating new software, it is common for a software development team to work through different ‘phases’.
Certain tasks will be performed within each phase. The main phases of development are analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation and evaluation.
Iteration
Iteration means repeating a process. In software development, it is the term used to describe repeating or revisiting phases that may have been worked on already.
Traditionally, the development team would work through each phase in order. However, it is now more common for software to be developed in iterative cycles.
For example, the design for part of a program may be created and then implemented. Any errors found during testing could lead to parts of the design and implementation changing before further testing is carried out. The design and implementation phases could be revisited based on the results of testing.
