What is Software Development Life Cycle

This article will provide an explanation of the what is software development life cycle (SDLC), an in-depth look at each of the phases, Objectives, Types, Models, advantages and disadvantages as well as examples to help you better understand each phase.

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a step-by-step procedure or standard procedure to develop a new software.

What is Software Development Life Cycle Elaborate Each Phase

Here we will see 7 stages of system development life cycle with example:

• Planning: Defining project goals and objectives, developing a project plan, and figuring out the project’s scope are all part of the planning process.
  Example: Meetings with stakeholders to determine the needs and requirements of a new inventory management system are an example.

• Requirements Gathering: Collecting and documenting the system’s detailed functional and non-functional requirements.
  Example:Conducting interviews and workshops with end users and managers to gather requirements for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is an example.

• Design: Producing a high-level and detailed design of the system, including the architecture, data structures, user interfaces, and modules.
  Example: Designing the user interface layout and navigation flow for a mobile banking application.
  
• Development: Writing code, putting the system into action, and putting together the software parts are all considered development.
  Example: Creating the back-end logic and database structure for an e-commerce website.
  
• Testing: Performing various types of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, to guarantee the quality and functionality of the system.
  Example: Running test cases to make sure a newly developed payroll system calculates employee salaries correctly.
  
• Deployment: Deployment is the process of installing and configuring the system in the production environment, which includes moving data and training users.
  Example: Implementing a new human resource management system throughout an organization’s various offices and training HR staff on how to use it.
  
• Maintenance: After a system has been deployed, maintenance entails giving it ongoing support, fixing problems, and improving it.
  Example: Fixing bugs, adding new features, and improving performance for an existing customer support ticketing system.

Throughout the SDLC, it’s important to use best practises, stick to quality standards, and have good communication and teamwork among team members.

This helps make sure that the development process is efficient, produces high-quality software, and meets the expectations of stakeholders.

By following a structured SDLC, organisations can reduce risks, improve software reliability, and create successful software solutions.

Software Development Life Cycle Example

It is a step-by-step process for creating software applications. It consists of a number of phases, each with its own set of activities, goals, and deliverables.

Let’s consider a hypothetical project of building a mobile application.

• Gathering Requirements: During this phase, the development team interacts with the client to gather their requirements and comprehend the mobile application’s purpose, features, and functionalities.
  In a thorough specification document, they list these requirements.

• Design: The team creates a design for the mobile application based on the requirements that have been gathered. This includes creating wireframes, defining the user interface, and planning the system architecture.

• Development: This is when the mobile application is actually coded. The developers write the necessary code, implement the functionalities, and connect the various parts.

• Testing: The application undergoes a rigorous testing phase after development is complete.
  This includes running unit tests to check individual components, integration tests to check how different modules interact, and system tests to make sure the application functions as expected.

• Deployment: The mobile application is deployed to a production environment after successfully completing the testing phase. This includes configuring servers, setting up databases, and making the application accessible to end users.

• Maintenance: Once the application is live, the team provides ongoing support and maintenance. This includes bug fixes, feature enhancements, and dealing with any problems that users have reported.

The development team adheres to best practises throughout the SDLC, such as version control, documentation, and project management, to make sure the project moves along smoothly.

They work with stakeholders, adhere to coding standards, and hold regular meetings to track progress and deal with any problems that come up.

Types Of  Software Development Life Cycle

Listed below are a few types of Software Development Life Cycle models.

1. Waterfall Model:

• Linear and sequential approach.
• Phases include requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Each phase depends on the completion of the previous one.
• Well-suited for projects with stable and well-defined requirements.
• Lacks flexibility for accommodating changes in later stages.

2. Agile Model:

• Iterative and incremental approach.
• Projects are broken down into small iterations called sprints.
• Emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.
• Allows for adaptive planning and frequent feedback.
• Well-suited for projects with evolving requirements and a need for quick responses to changes.

3. Spiral Model:

• Combines elements of Waterfall and Agile models.
• Emphasizes risk management and iterative development.
• Involves multiple iterations of requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and evaluation.
• Enables early risk identification and mitigation.
• Suitable for projects with high-risk factors, complex requirements, and regular prototyping.

4. V-shaped Model:

• Sequential approach similar to the Waterfall model.
• Emphasizes testing and verification at each phase.
• Each phase has a corresponding testing phase.
• Well-suited for projects with a strong focus on testing and verification.

5. Iterative Model:

• Emphasizes repetition and feedback.
• Allows for multiple iterations of the development process.
• Each iteration includes requirements gathering, design, development, and testing.
• Feedback from each iteration informs subsequent iterations.
• Suitable for projects where requirements are not fully defined upfront and can evolve over time.

6. Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model:

• Focuses on rapid prototyping and iterative development.
• Involves user involvement and feedback throughout the development process.
• Emphasizes quick delivery and time-to-market.
• Well-suited for projects with short timelines and rapidly changing requirements.

Software Development Life Cycle Objectives

The below are the objectives of the Software Development Life Cycle:

• To ensure high-quality software development
• To meet client requirements and expectations
• To deliver software within specified timelines and budget
• To minimize risks and address potential issues
• To improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders
• To provide a structured framework for software development
• To ensure proper documentation and knowledge transfer
• To enable effective project planning and management
• To facilitate efficient resource allocation
• To support maintenance and future enhancements of the software

Software Development Life Cycle Roles and Responsibilities

Here is a list of roles and responsibilities:

• Project Manager: Oversees the entire software development project, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
  
• Business Analyst: Gathers and analyzes requirements from stakeholders, translates business needs into system requirements.
  
• System Analyst: Analyzes and designs the technical aspects of the system, including system architecture and data models.
  
• Software Architect: Designs the overall structure and framework of the software, ensuring scalability, performance, and security.
  
• Developer/Programmer: Writes code and develops software applications based on the specifications provided.
  
• Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer/Testers: Conducts various testing activities to ensure software quality, including unit testing, integration testing, and system testing.
  
• Technical Writer/Documentation Specialist: Creates and maintains documentation such as user manuals, system guides, and technical specifications.
  
• Database Administrator (DBA): Manages and maintains the database system, including database design, optimization, and security.
  
• Network Administrator: Manages the network infrastructure and ensures connectivity and security for the software system.
  
• User Experience (UX) Designer: Designs the user interface and user experience of the software to ensure usability and user satisfaction.
  
• System Administrator: Manages the software system’s infrastructure, including server setup, configuration, and maintenance.
  
• Deployment Engineer: Handles the deployment and installation of the software system in the production environment.
  
• Release Manager: Manages the software release process, including version control, change management, and release coordination.
  
• Support and Maintenance Engineer: Provides ongoing support, bug fixing, and maintenance for the software after deployment.
  
• Stakeholders/End Users: Engage in providing feedback, validating requirements, and accepting the final product.

What Is The Purpose Of Software Development Life Cycle

well we understood what is SDLC, Now Lets see the Purpose:

• Provide a structured and systematic approach to software development
• Deliver high-quality software that meets client requirements and expectations
• Manage software development projects effectively
• Minimize risks and address potential issues
• Improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders
• Provide a framework for software development
• Ensure proper documentation and knowledge transfer
• Enable effective project planning and management
• Facilitate resource allocation
• Support software maintenance and future enhancements

Software Development Life Cycle And Software Testing Life Cycle

In this section we will discuss about SDLC and Softtware testing Life Cycle(STLC)

SDLC	STLC
Focuses on the overall development and delivery of software.	Focuses specifically on testing the software developed during the SDLC.
Covers all stages of software development, including requirements gathering, system analysis, design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance.	Covers all stages of software testing, including test planning, test design, test execution, defect tracking, and test closure.
Encompasses the entire software development process, from initial concept to final product.	A subset of the broader SDLC, concentrating on ensuring the quality and reliability of the software through testing.
Involves activities related to planning, designing, building, and managing the software.	Involves activities related to identifying test requirements, creating test cases, executing tests, reporting and managing defects, and evaluating the test results.

Software Development Life Cycle Best Practices

Here are Best Practices:

• Define clear project goals and objectives
• Involve stakeholders throughout the development process
• Conduct thorough requirements gathering and analysis
• Use an iterative and incremental approach
• Implement effective communication and collaboration strategies
• Follow coding standards and best practices
• Perform regular testing and quality assurance
• Ensure proper documentation and knowledge transfer
• Plan for risk management and mitigation
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the progress of the project
• Incorporate feedback and lessons learned into future development cycles
• Regularly update and maintain the software
• Adhere to industry standards and regulations

Software Development Life Cycle Advantages And Disadvantages

In this section we will get familiar with Advantages And Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Provides a structured and systematic approach to software development.
• Helps in delivering high-quality software that meets client requirements and expectations.
• Assists in effective project planning and management.
• Facilitates better communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Reduces risks by identifying and addressing potential issues early in the development process.
• Ensures proper documentation and knowledge transfer.
• Supports maintenance and future enhancements of the software.

Disadvantages:

• Can be time-consuming, especially in lengthy and complex projects.
• May lead to inflexibility and difficulties in accommodating changes during development.
• Requires careful planning and resource allocation.
• Can result in a rigid and linear development process that does not adapt well to evolving requirements.
• May involve higher upfront costs due to extensive planning and documentation.
• Potential for delays if issues are discovered late in the development cycle.

STLC Life Cycle

In this section we will see STLC Life Cycle:

• Requirements Analysis: During this phase, the testing team examines the software requirements to determine expected behaviour and possible test scenarios.
  Testing Objectives, Test Scope, Test Environment, Test Schedule, and Resource Allocation are all outlined in a thorough test plan that is created during test planning.

• Test Case Development: Test cases are designed and developed based on the test scenarios. These test cases specify the steps to be taken, the expected results, and any test data that may be needed.
  
• Test Environment Setup: The hardware, software, and network configurations required for testing are set up in the test environment.
  
• Test Execution: Test cases are run in accordance with the test plan. Actual results are compared to what was expected, and any problems or defects are reported and kept track of.
  
• Defect Tracking and Management: A defect tracking system is used to record, monitor, and manage any bugs or problems that arise during testing. The development team is tasked with resolving them.
  
• Test Reporting: Test results, such as metrics, coverage reports, and defect status, are put together and shared with stakeholders. This aids in evaluating the software’s quality and making wise decisions.
  
• Test Closure: The last step entails assessing the completion criteria, going over the whole testing process, and writing down what was learned. The creation of the final test report is another step in the test closure process.

Final Words

So today we learnt, What is software development life cycle in that we covered 7 Phases, Examples, Types, Objectives, Roles and Responsibilities, Purpose, SDLC vs STLC, Best practices, Advantages and Disadvantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also, Read:

Smoke Testing Meaning

What is Regression Testing

Open-Source vs. Commercial Testing Tools

Boost Efficiency with Automation Testing