A "dummy" refers to an object designed to resemble and serve as a substitute for the real or usual one. Commonly, it is used in various fields, such as education, where a dummy model might be employed to demonstrate concepts without the risk of using actual materials. In the context of puppetry, a dummy can also refer to a puppet that is manipulated by a performer. In the realm of software development, a "dummy" can denote a placeholder or a mock object used during testing. This allows developers to simulate the behavior of complex systems without needing the actual components, making it easier to identify issues and ensure functionality before full implementation.