The distinction between making software available to the public and installing it within a specific environment is fundamental in software development. One process centers on preparing and disseminating the software package, while the other focuses on configuring and launching the software within a target system. For instance, a developer might create a version of an application ready for distribution (the former), and a system administrator would then install and configure it on a server for user access (the latter).
Understanding this difference is critical for efficient software lifecycle management. It enables better planning, streamlined workflows, and reduced risk of errors during implementation. Historically, these were often considered a single, monolithic activity. However, as software development evolved, recognizing them as separate, distinct phases improved agility and allowed for specialized expertise to be applied to each.