What is the purpose of the Maintenance stage in software development?

The purpose of the Maintenance stage in software development is primarily to fine-tune the program and ensure that it remains up to date. During this phase, developers address any bugs or issues that have arisen since the software was launched, which involves updating the software to improve performance, enhance security, and adapt to new operating environments. This stage is crucial for prolonging the software’s lifespan, ensuring it continues to meet user needs, and making incremental improvements that enhance user experience without the need for a complete redesign.

While releasing new versions of the software can occur during maintenance, the main focus is on ongoing support and updates rather than radical new features or designs. Additionally, checking existing bugs is an element of maintenance, but it doesn’t encompass the broader scope of the ongoing adjustments and improvements needed throughout the software's life. Designing new features typically occurs during earlier stages of development and is not the primary focus of the Maintenance stage.