A preliminary version of a program created to evaluate design choices is known as what?

A preliminary version of a program created to evaluate design choices is known as a prototype. Prototyping is an essential phase in software development, particularly during the design stage. It allows developers and stakeholders to visualize the functionality and features of the application before fully committing to the development process. By creating a prototype, designers can demonstrate concepts, gather user feedback, and make necessary adjustments early on, which ultimately helps in creating a more successful product. This iterative process can help identify potential issues and refine requirements, ensuring the final software meets user needs and expectations effectively.

The other choices do not pertain to the concept of evaluating design choices in software development. A procedure generally refers to a set of instructions or a sequence of steps to follow, processing relates to the handling and manipulation of data, and piracy refers to illegal copying or using software without authorization. Thus, they do not fit the context of what a preliminary version of a program aimed at design evaluation would be.