A Software Development Agreement is a formal contract between a client and a software developer or development company. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the software will be developed, delivered, and maintained. Key elements typically include the scope of work, which details the specific tasks and deliverables expected from the developer, and the timeline, which sets deadlines for various stages of the project. It also covers payment terms, specifying how and when the developer will be compensated, and intellectual property rights, clarifying who will own the software and any related materials upon completion.