Throwaway Prototyping
Throwaway prototyping is a software development methodology where a preliminary, simplified version of a product is created quickly to explore requirements, test concepts, or validate ideas, with the intention of discarding it after use. It focuses on rapid iteration to gather feedback and clarify specifications before building the final system. This approach helps identify flaws early and reduces the risk of costly changes later in development.
Developers should use throwaway prototyping when requirements are unclear or volatile, as it allows for experimentation without committing to a full-scale implementation. It is particularly useful in early project phases to demonstrate feasibility, engage stakeholders, and refine user needs before investing in production code. This method saves time and resources by preventing misunderstandings that could lead to rework in later stages.