Software Development Lifecycle – Easiest Way To Understand It

Published: 2021-03-30
Views: 507
Author: TracyJ
Published in: Software

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), also known as the application development life cycle, defines the steps involved in developing an application, from planning to implementation and maintenance.

What Is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

The SDLC entails the standardization of business standards for the creation of software applications.

Since a device can be made up of software alone, hardware alone, or a mixture of both, this term can be applied to a wide variety of software and hardware configurations.

7 stages of System Development Life Cycle

The system development life cycle is divided into seven stages:

• Planning
• Systems analysis and requirements
• Design and prototyping
• Software development
• Integration and testing
• Deployment
• Maintenance

Stage 1 - Planning

Planning is the first step in the system development process.

Determine if a new system is needed to meet your company's strategic objectives in this phase.

We formulate an initial strategy for the company's business initiative, which entails obtaining capital for infrastructure development in order to change or expand the service.

The organization aims to meet or surpass its employees' and customers' needs.

The aim of the first step is to figure out how big the problem is and try to come up with solutions.

At this point, we consider money, expenses, time, benefits, and a variety of other considerations.

Stage 2 - Systems Analysis and Requirements

During the second stage, businesses focus on the source of the issue or the need for development.

If we're working on a dilemma, we can consider all potential solutions to see which one is the best match for the project's long-term objectives.

Teams must understand the project's functional requirements during this process.

We will ensure that the new system meets precise criteria thanks to the system analysis or requires analysis.

Systems analysis is critical for determining the company's needs, how they can be addressed, who will be responsible for what project aspect, and what kind of schedule to expect.

Stage 3 - System Design

We should explain in-depth the required specifications, functions, and operations that will meet the functional requirements of the proposed framework we want to incorporate in the third step.

In order for the device to achieve its objectives, this step considers hardware or software, networking features, processing, and procedures.

Stage 4 - Development

The fourth step is where the real work begins: the developers are hired to complete the project's key tasks.

A flowchart is used to ensure that the system's processes are well coordinated.

his phase signals the completion of the first stage of the process and the start of production.

Stage 5 – Integration and Testing

The new project's fifth step is to see if it achieves the original set of business objectives.

The program is tested in a test environment, where the testing team examines the system's functionality using the design documentation given.

This process helps you to identify and report bugs and glitches to the developers.

They correct any errors found and return the project to quality assurance. Tests will be carried out before the end-user identifies a version that is satisfactory. 

The next step in this process will be tested and evaluated, which will help ensure that the software is completed successfully.

When you use a test script, the system can run a series of predetermined tests to ensure that it meets the specifications.

Exploratory testing is more dependent on practice. Through running the new system or program, the tester can test the new system uses, functionality, and capabilities.

The tester can access the system solely on the basis of previous experience and determine if it meets the specifications.

The tester can move the device or program to the next step until it has met all of the specifications.

This could take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the complexity and scale of the system's problems.

Stage 6 - Deployment

The actual implementation of the newly developed device is the sixth step.

This move puts the design into production by moving data and components from the old system to the new.

Brand implementation is often performed in steps, depending on the company's market plan.

Stage 7 - Maintenance

The final stage of SDLC is the maintenance phase, which requires all necessary updates on a regular basis. If the end-user desires, he or she can improve system efficiency, add new features, and so on.

Users begin to use the established framework after it has been implemented.

Importance of System Development Life Cycle

• It establishes a consistent structure for defining operations and deliverables
• It helps with project planning, forecasting, and scheduling
• It makes project monitoring and management simpler
• It allows all stakeholders involved in the construction process greater insight into all facets of the life cycle
• It speeds up development
• It strengthens client connections
• It reduces project risks
• It reduces project management costs as well as the total production cost.