The 6 SDLC Stages - Basics, Stages, Models
An approach to creating a software product is usually regarded as a “software development life cycle” (SDLC), also known as the “application development life cycle,” or simply “software development process.”
As building software is inherently complex and demands a long list of skills from the development team, there is a multitude of different SDLCs to address projects of different scales and complexity.
But what is an SDLC, and how to pick the right one?
What is Software Development Life Cycle?
In essence, a software development life cycle is a roadmap for working on a digital solution. In other words, SDLC is a blueprint designed for a team to create, maintain, and fix digital products. The steps of a software development life cycle process depend on the project size and project goals. Each step also provides a general map of how it should be completed. In most cases, every development team creates its own software development cycle or adopts one of the models, which we will explore further.
Phases Explanation
Planning
Involves gathering requirements, defining project objectives, and creating a detailed project plan, including timelines, resources, and budget.
Analysis:
Focuses on understanding end-users needs and existing systems, identifying problems, and defining functional requirements for the new software.
Design:
The phase where the system architecture and specifications are created based on the analysis. It includes designing the software's structure, database, user interface, and modules.
Implementation:
Involves writing the actual code and programming the software based on the design specifications.
Testing and Integration:
In this phase, the software is tested for errors, bugs, and functionality. Different testing methodologies, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, ensure the software meets the specified requirements.
Maintenance:
After deployment, the software enters the maintenance phase, where it is regularly updated, debugged, and enhanced to keep it operational and up-to-date with changing user needs and technology.
How does a Software Development Life Cycle Work?
While SDLC cycles provide an overview of tasks for a project, they are not a ready-to-use manual. An SDLC is not set in stone: there are different models and examples of software development life cycles. The latter depends on project complexity, and so do the many software development life cycle methodologies. Nevertheless, the core idea of a software development life cycle remains – it is an order of tasks aimed at creating a digital solution.
Benefits of Software Development Life Cycle
The key reason behind adopting a clear SDLC is control over the development process. A working plan, conflict management between participants, and budget management are other big advantages of the software development life cycle.
Thus, the software development life cycle allows for:
Having overarching control over the software development process
Improving resource management and cost-effectiveness
It gives teams a clear action plan
Improves cooperation between participants
What is important to remember is that all the advantages of the software development life cycle will not work for teams on their own. If project managers lack expertise or some participants refuse to follow the process, the cycle will fall apart, influencing the quality of the final product.
Software Development Lifecycle Model
There is a host of different SDLC models that help in different types of software development projects, even in cases when the client does not have a clear vision of what they need.
Waterfall Model
In the SDLC Waterfall model, all the steps should be finalized before the development can start.
One of the basic preconditions of the Waterfall model is to receive approval on each stage before the team can move on to the next one.
This approach can be effective in risk mitigation in the software development life cycle.
Here, the Waterfall model uses a Business Requirements Specification (BRS) that helps teams evaluate each step. While some software development companies still offer this model of cooperation, this type of software development life cycle is less popular than other, more flexible models on our list.
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