In software development, what does a prototype help demonstrate?

A prototype primarily serves as a preliminary version of a software application, designed to visualize its functionality and user interface. By focusing on user experience, a prototype gives stakeholders a chance to interact with a working model, albeit without the complete backend processing or full features of the final product. This interaction allows developers to gather valuable feedback regarding usability, design, and functionality, which can then inform further development.

While aspects like final technical specifications and legal considerations are essential in software development, they are not the primary focus of a prototype. The goal is to create a tangible representation of the final product that emphasizes how users will experience the software. This often involves testing various aspects of the user interface and collecting input from potential users to ensure that their needs are met in the eventual finalized version. Therefore, the correct choice highlights how a prototype facilitates understanding user experience without the complexities of full functionality.