ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Software maintenance

Software maintenance is just like taking care of your toys or your pet. Imagine you have a toy that you love to play with, but one day it starts to have some problems or doesn't work properly. So what do you do? You try to fix it, right? That's exactly what software maintenance means.

Software, like your toys or pet, needs to be taken care of too, just like they need to be cleaned, fed and played with. Similarly, software needs to be checked and updated from time to time to ensure it works correctly and performs its functions properly.

Software maintenance involves different types of activities like fixing errors or bugs, updating features, or security upgrades. It is done by software developers or professionals who inspect, modify, or repair the software to improve its performance, usability and functionality.

Just like your toys, software can be used by different people, and they might use it in different ways. Some people might use it more than others or might use it in ways that weren't intended, and this can cause problems. So, maintaining software is essential to ensure that it works well for everyone who uses it.

In summary, software maintenance means taking care of your software just like you take care of your toys or your pet. It keeps the software running smoothly and helps it work better for everyone who uses it.