What Is Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

Software Development Life Cycle, SDLC, is the construction of software applications in accordance with today’s business management standards.

There are several stages in the SDLC process:

• Planning and Analysis
• Determining Feasibility
• Product Architecture Design
• Coding and Development
• Product Testing
• Software Deployment
• Operations and Maintenance

SDLC calls for the detailed examination of each step, which permits the measurement of progress and provides opportunities for improvements.

The SDLC-driven increased efficiency will result in cost reduction, quicker delivery, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness in the marketplace.

How the SDLC Works

Software Development Life Cycle delineates the tasks necessary to construct a software application and assigns them in a way that eliminates duplication of effort and plays to the strengths of team members.

Benefits of the SDLC

Software Development Life Cycle is a plan for success.

Success requires teamwork.

Teamwork requires the sharing of a goal.

The goal must be communicated clearly and understood. The goal, however dependent on creativity and innovation, requires structure, a plan.

Utilization of the SDLC approach to software application construction yields myriad benefits, among them:

• The establishment and sharing of terminology
• The definition of goals - including the definition of “complete” - and the explanation of problems
• The establishment of defined communication lines between development teams and stakeholders.
• The assignment to team members of clearly defined tasks
• The assurance resulting from pre-deployment testing

Popular SDLC Models

Waterfall Model

The Waterfall Model of development is time-honored, still considered the standard.

The model emphasizes the evaluation of the completed stage before allowing the project to cascade to the next.

V-Shaped Model

A variant of the Waterfall Model, the V-Shaped Model places even greater emphasis on testing.

Prototype Model

The Prototype Model is widely used, generally preferred by customers still unsure of their project’s requirements.

The model calls for the development of a lesser-scale prototype of an envisioned application system.

The testing and refinement of the prototype proceeds based on customer feedback. Once the customer has determined that the prototype is suitable, the development of the final product begins.

Spiral Model

The Spiral Model calls for the repetition of SDLC stages so that opportunities for improvements are multiplied.

The model is considered flexible, for it invites members of the development team to apply elements of other models.

Iterative Incremental Model

Sibling to the Spiral Model, the Iterative Incremental Model also stresses repetition.

The model calls for the continuous testing of a quickly, economically created application and the implementation of improvements throughout the process.

Big Bang Model

The Big Bang Model is best for smaller teams working on projects that are exploratory at the outset, without strict requirements.

The model permits the team, and its members, greater latitude.

Agile Model

The Agile Model emphasizes interaction with the customer, respect for the customer’s experiences and needs within the marketplace.

The model thus stresses responsiveness, the ability to effect quick releases.

Stages of the SDLC

Planning and Analysis, Defining Feasibility, Product Architecture Design, Coding and Development, Product Testing, Software Deployment, and Operations and Maintenance.

1. Planning and Analysis

Planning and Analysis is the most crucial SDLC stage.

Senior members of the development team and sales representatives consult with the customer to determine the project’s requirements.

The team then analyzes the requirements before formulating an approach to the project.

2. Determining Feasibility

The development team conducts a study to determine the project’s feasibility, consider its risks, and specify software needs.

3. Product Architecture Design Architecture

The team converts the software requirements into a plan: the design specification.

The plan permits the team to define the system architecture. Stakeholders review the plan and offer input.

4. Coding and Development

The development team now begins to build the system by writing code in the selected language.

Tasks are defined and assigned to individual developers or smaller teams.

5. Product Testing

The application is tested for glitches and deficiencies, and to ensure that all functions are working properly and capable of working together.

6. Software Deployment

Deployment requirements having been addressed, the software application is now made available to the customer.

Automated deployments are generally straightforward, those requiring database upgrades more involved.

7. Operations and Maintenance

Application glitches - bugs - that present themselves in the field are addressed.

Security in the SDLC

Among the means of ensuring the security of the application secure are:

• Encryption of SSL / TLS traffic
• Protection of passwords
• Safe storage user credentials

The Takeaway

The success of any project requires teamwork. Teamwork requires the sharing of a goal. The goal must be communicated clearly and understood. The goal, however dependent on creativity and innovation, requires structure, a plan.

Software Development Life Cycle is the plan for success.

About Metacom Development

Metacom Development is a team of highly skilled professionals with decades of experience in the software development industry. Our goal is to turn your ideas and visions into innovative technologies through custom software applications, mobile apps, and website development.

We become partners with our clients and use our technical knowledge to deliver high-quality solutions that drive company growth. Our dedication, loyalty, and passion allow us to succeed in this ever-changing landscape.

By focusing our efforts on select industry sectors such as healthcare, we have become experts in these fields. We can provide valuable insights, cost-saving efficiencies, and turn-key solutions to advance your company.