Knowra Software maintenance Software maintenance Software maintenance is the modification of software after delivery to correct faults, adapt it to changing environments, or improve performance and maintainability. It includes changes that preserve or extend a system’s usefulness.
Corrective maintenance : Software changes made to correct faults discovered after delivery. It addresses the fault-fixing work that forms one major maintenance purpose.
Software documentation : Written descriptions of software requirements, design, operation, or use. Accurate documentation helps maintainers understand intended behavior and system structure.
Legacy system : An established software system that remains in use despite outdated technology or design. Legacy systems often require maintenance while replacement remains costly or risky.
Software development : The activities used to specify, design, build, and test software. Maintenance applies those activities to software already delivered for use.
Adaptive maintenance : Software changes that keep a system usable as its environment changes. It covers adjustments to operating systems, regulations, hardware, and external services.
Software architecture : The fundamental structure of a software system and the relationships among its components. Architectural choices determine how safely changes can be isolated and delivered.
Software evolution : The ongoing change of software systems in response to needs, environments, and accumulated understanding. Maintenance is the practical work through which delivered software evolves.
Software support : Assistance that helps users operate software and resolve usage problems. Support may explain or work around a problem without modifying the software.
Perfective maintenance : Software changes that improve functionality, performance, or usability after delivery. It captures enhancements that go beyond correcting faults or adapting to change.
Technical debt : Future cost created when expedient software design or implementation choices constrain later work. Accumulated shortcuts make routine maintenance slower and more hazardous.
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