Requirements Refines project goals into defined functions and operation of the intended application. Analyzes end-user information needs.

Design Describes desired features and operations in detail, including screen layouts, business rules, process diagrams, pseudocode and other documentation.

Development The real code is written here.

Testing Brings all the pieces together into a special testing environment, then checks for errors, bugs and interoperability.

Deployment The final stage of initial development, where the software is put into production and runs actual business.