What does "deployment" mean in software development?

In software development, "deployment" specifically refers to the process of installing and configuring an application so that it becomes operational for users. This involves taking a completed application and moving it from a development or staging environment into a production environment where it is accessible to end users. During deployment, various tasks are undertaken, such as copying files to servers, setting up databases, configuring server settings, and ensuring that all necessary components and dependencies are in place for the application to function correctly in the production setting.

The other options, while part of the broader software development life cycle, do not accurately encapsulate the concept of deployment. Designing software architecture pertains to the structural foundation of the application, testing software functionality involves verifying that the application works as intended, and generating documentation focuses on creating supportive materials for users and developers. These activities are important and can occur at different phases of development, but they do not define what deployment specifically entails.