A Software Prototype is a high-fidelity simulation of the software before its first version is made. It is used to simulate the final design, materials and functionalities of the program. Wrongly associated with mockup

Mockup

In manufacturing and design, a mockup, or mock-up, is a scale or full-size model of a design or device, used for teaching, demonstration, design evaluation, promotion, and other purposes...

s or wireframes

Website wireframe

A website wireframe, also known as a page schematic or screen blueprint, is a visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website. The wireframe depicts the page layout or arrangement of the website’s content, including interface elements and navigational systems, and how they work...

, a prototype is a fully operational version of an application although it may not have the same coding structure. With the same look-and-feel as the final product, a software prototype is essential to tackle the last flaws and to make last-minute improvements before larger production runs are ordered. It is usually used for show reels and testing purpose.

Many software companies now create their own prototypes using high-fidelity prototyping tools like Justinmind Prototyper

Justinmind Prototyper

Justinmind Prototyper is an authoring tool for software prototypes and high-fidelity website wireframes. It was created by the European startup Justinmind and is currently on version 4.0 . It offers capabilities typically found in diagramming tools like drag and drop placement, resizing, formatting...

, LucidChart

LucidChart

LucidChart is a web-based diagramming software. This software is notable because it is built on web standards such as HTML5 and Javascript and provides real-time collaboration for the creation of graphical content...

, ProtoShare

ProtoShare

ProtoShare is a collaborative software tool from Site9, Inc. used for creating, reviewing, and refining website and web application prototypes. It enables individuals and companies to visualize project requirements by building website wireframes and application prototypes that team members and...

, and iRise

IRise

iRise is a software company based in El Segundo, California. It provides visualization software for business applications.-History:Founded in 1996 by Maurice Martin under the name of Intrasolv Consulting. Co-Founder Emmet B. Keeffe III joined in 1998...

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