What does the term 'maintenance' refer to in software development?

The term 'maintenance' in software development encompasses a variety of activities aimed at ensuring that the software continues to function correctly and remains relevant over time. This includes removing faults, commonly known as debugging, as well as making modifications to adapt the software to changes in user requirements or the operating environment.

Option C specifically describes this multifaceted process of maintenance, which includes both correcting defects (fault removal) and implementing modifications. These actions are essential for prolonging the software's lifespan and improving its performance. Regular maintenance helps to keep the software running smoothly and aligned with end-user expectations.

While managing software updates may be a part of the maintenance process, the broader scope of maintenance encompasses more than just updates. It involves all ongoing efforts to enhance the software, fix bugs, and adapt it as necessary. Creating new software features, although important, falls under the initial development phases rather than ongoing maintenance activities, as it typically represents new projects rather than the support of existing systems. Thus, option C captures the entire concept of software maintenance accurately.