What is the term for creating partly working models of a system to test feasibility?

Prototyping is the process of developing partial models or versions of a system to assess its feasibility and to gather feedback before full development. The purpose of prototyping is to visualize the design, understand the requirements, and identify any potential issues early in the system development life cycle.

By creating a prototype, developers can experiment with features and functionalities, allowing stakeholders to better understand how the final product will operate. This iterative process can lead to improvements based on user input and can help ensure that the end product aligns with user needs and expectations.

In contrast, simulation typically refers to mathematical modeling or computer-based modeling that mimics the behavior of a system under various scenarios, rather than creating a workable model. Analysis involves studying and interpreting data or requirements but does not involve the iterative build-test-refine process that characterizes prototyping. Testing is the process of verifying that the software or system functions as intended, often conducted after the development phase rather than during the initial stages of feasibility. Thus, the term that best describes creating partially working models to test feasibility is indeed prototyping.