How is software typically programmed in its initial stages?

Software is typically programmed in its initial stages by coding and testing at the unit level. During this phase, developers focus on creating individual components or modules of the software, ensuring that each part functions correctly before integrating them into a larger system. This approach is fundamental to software engineering as it allows for early identification and resolution of issues, which helps in building a more reliable and maintainable system. Unit testing is a critical practice in this stage, enabling developers to verify that each unit operates according to its specifications, thereby laying a solid foundation for subsequent integration and system-level testing.

While user feedback can inform later phases of development and market analysis can influence initial design choices, the actual coding and testing process in the early stages is primarily about developing and validating small, manageable pieces of the software. Automated tools may assist in this process but do not solely define how programming occurs at this stage.