What is the process of creating a preliminary model or mock-up of a software system called?

The process of creating a preliminary model or mock-up of a software system is known as prototyping. Prototyping is an essential part of software development as it allows developers and stakeholders to visualize and interact with a working model of the system before full implementation. This approach enables the team to gather feedback, identify requirements, and make necessary adjustments early in the development cycle, ultimately fostering a more user-centric design and reducing the risk of costly changes later.

Prototyping can take various forms, including low-fidelity wireframes or high-fidelity interactive models, depending on the stage of development and the objectives of the demonstration. This iterative approach encourages collaboration among developers, users, and stakeholders, ensuring that their needs and expectations are met.

Other options like piracy pertain to illegal activities associated with software usage, processing generally refers to the handling of data or tasks within the software rather than its design, and quality relates to the standards and effectiveness of the software but does not specifically address the creation of preliminary models or mock-ups.