Software prototypes are simply models of the final product. They can be of nearly any part of the final application: user interface mock-ups, stand alone features, proof-of-concept, and so on.

Prototypes are intended to help guide the course of development, showing management and customers what the developers are working on, while allowing time for feedback before the programmers move forward. They are also useful when a large number of programmers are involved in a project, as each person or team can be responsible for a particular aspect of the final application. Their prototypes can be compared to other ones to ensure everyone knows what is going on with the project.