The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process for developing software. It provides guidelines to minimize costs and risks, aiming to produce high-quality software efficiently.
SDLC Models
Popular SDLC models include Waterfall, Agile, V-Shaped, Iterative, and Spiral. The Waterfall model has structured stages, while Agile is more flexible.
SDLC Stages
The SDLC comprises the following stages:
- Planning – Outlining the tasks, schedule, costs
- Analysis – Defining software requirements
- Design – Creating software architecture and interfaces
- Development – Coding the software
- Testing – Checking for defects
- Deployment – Releasing/installing the software
- Maintenance – Making modifications and upgrades
The life cycle approach facilitates user comprehension of activities in each step, and these steps can be repeated to enhance the system.
Software engineers during the development stage will write code and adjust the technologies involved in the project, which can also include hardware as needed, such as for Internet of Things (IoT) projects.
The SDLC emphasizes quality assurance, ensuring that the final product meets both requirements and stakeholder expectations. It streamlines development into an organized process and enhances productivity.
Quality and Productivity in SDLC
The full form of SDLC is Software Development Life Cycle or Systems Development Life Cycle. It encompasses system or software creation from the initial idea to the finalized deployment and maintenance phases, ensuring a consistent framework that describes the activities performed during each phase of a systems development project.
Once a project is completed, the project manager moves on to new tasks. The SDLC is about creating a quality, consistent product efficiently and effectively.