What is the life cycle of a massive star?

The life cycle of a massive star begins with the gravitational collapse of a gas cloud, leading to nuclear fusion in its core. It progresses through stages of burning hydrogen, then helium, and eventually heavier elements up to iron. Once iron forms, fusion ceases, resulting in core collapse and leading to a supernova explosion. The remnants may become a neutron star or black hole, depending on the star's initial mass.