Software development is a long and tedious process. Project managers and system analysts are able to use software development life cycle cycles in order to develop, design, test and deploy software or information systems with more efficiency and quality.
What is Software Development Cycle?
The SDLC or Software Development Life Cycle is a model of project management. It outlines the different phases that are required to take a project from conception to deployment, and then maintenance.
Software Development Life Cycle US Guide
This guide will explain the entire software development lifecycle, from its beginning to its end. We will also discuss the role of system analysts, and the potential benefits that SDLC could bring to your project.
Seven stages of software development life cycle
The modern software life cycle has seven main stages. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Operation and Maintenance Stage
- Planning Stage
- Analyze the feasibility or requirements of the stage
- Stage of Design and Prototyping
- Software Development Stage
- Software Testing Stage
- Implementation and integration
Let’s now take a look at each phase individually.
Planning Stage
The planning phase (also known as the feasibility stage) is just what it sounds: the stage in which developers plan for an upcoming project.
This helps define the scope and problem of existing systems as well as the goals for the new system.
Theoretically, by creating an outline for the next development cycle they can catch any problems before they impact development.
Help them secure the resources and funding they need to implement their plan.
The planning stage is the most important, as it sets the project’s schedule. This can be crucial if the development of a product for commercial use must be completed by a specific date.
Analysis Stage
In the analysis stage, you will gather all the details needed for a brand new system and determine the first prototype ideas.
Developers can:
- Identify any prototype system requirements
- Alternatives to prototypes are evaluated
- Research and analyze the needs of users
Developers will also often create an SRS (Software Requirement Specification) document.
Include all specifications, including software, hardware and network requirements, for the system that they intend to build. They will not be able to overdraw funding or resources if they are working in the same location as other development teams.
Design Stage
The design phase is an essential precursor to the main development stage.
The developer will then outline specific details, such as the application’s:
- User interfaces
- System Interfaces
- Networking and its requirements
- Databases
They will typically convert the SRS document into a logical structure which can be later implemented in a programming languages. Plans for maintenance, training and operation will be created so that developers are aware of what to do at each stage.
The design document will be used as a reference throughout the SDLC.
Development Stage
The developers will write the code and create the application based on the design documents and specifications.
Static application security testing (SAST) tools are the best option for this.
The product program code is created according to the specifications of the design documents. The development phase should be relatively easy in theory because of all the planning that has been done.
The developers will use different tools, such as debuggers and interpreters, as well as any coding guidelines defined by the organization.
C++, PHP and other programming languages are all common. The developer will select the appropriate programming language based on project requirements and specifications.
Testing Stage
The end of software development is not just the building.
It is now time to test the software and make sure there are no bugs or that it will negatively affect the user experience at any point.
During testing, developers go through their software with a fine tooth comb. They will note any bugs or defects, which need to be tracked and fixed.
It’s crucial that the final software meets the standards of quality that were defined in the SRS document.
Testing can be a short or long phase depending on the developer’s skill, the complexity and requirements of the end user. For more information, check out our best practices for software-testing projects.
Implementation and Integration Stage
The overall design of the software is completed after testing. Developers will integrate different modules or designs into the primary code, typically by using training environments to detect additional errors or defects.
Eventually, the information system is installed and integrated into its surrounding environment. The software can theoretically be marketed after this stage and provided to end users.
Maintenance Stage
The SDLC does not end once the software is released. The SDLC doesn’t end when software reaches the market.
Developers are also responsible for any modifications that may be required after the software has been deployed.
It can be as simple as resolving bugs that were not patched prior to launch, or as complex and involved a new issue that was reported by users. The maintenance process for larger systems can be longer than smaller systems.
Role of a System Analyst
In a sense, the SDLC system analyst oversees the entire system. They should know the entire system, including all of its moving parts. This will help them guide the project with the right directions.
The system analyst should:
- Expert in all technical skills needed for the project
- Communication is key to team success.
- Good planning is essential to ensure that tasks are completed on time in each phase of development.
Systems analysts need to have a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. They are versatile professionals who can make or ruin an SDLC.
Their responsibilities are diverse and vital for the success of any project. Analysts are often expected to perform the following tasks:
- Information and facts
- You can make decisions on which bugs you want to prioritize, or what features you want to reduce.
- Alternative solutions
- Create specifications that are easily understandable by users and software developers
- Modularity is important for future integration.
- Ability to modify and evaluate the system as required by the project goals
- By defining and understanding the user requirements, you can help plan the project’s requirements and goals.
Six Basic SDLC Methodologies
The SDLC is in general a project-management model, but six specific methodologies are available to help achieve specific goals or give the SDLC a different feel.
Waterfall Model
The waterfall model has been around for a long time. The waterfall model is linear and straight-forward. It requires that development teams complete one phase before moving onto the next.
Each stage is a separate plan that uses information from the last stage in order to avoid any similar problems (if they occur). It is susceptible to delays that can cause big problems for the development team later on.
Model Iterative
Iterative models are based on repeated testing and repetition. At the end of every phase, new versions of the software project are created to detect potential errors and to allow developers to continuously improve the final product.
This model has the advantage that developers are able to create a working project early on in the development cycle. Therefore, it is often cheaper to implement changes.
Spiral Model
Spiral models offer greater flexibility than other methods. The project passes through the four phases in a metaphorical spiral motion.
The development team can produce highly customized products and incorporate feedback received relatively early in the project lifecycle.
V-Model
The V-model, which is an acronym for verification and validity, is very similar to the waterfall. Each development phase includes a testing phase to detect potential bugs and defects.
It is incredibly disciplined, and it requires a strict timeline. In theory, this model highlights the flaws of the waterfall model because it prevents larger bugs from spiraling uncontrollably out of control.
Big Bang Model
The Big Bang Model is extremely flexible, and does not follow any strict process or procedure. Even detailed planning is left behind. When the client or customer is not sure of what they want, it’s used to generate broad ideas. The developers start with resources and money.
The output could be close or far from what the client ultimately realizes that they want. This is mainly used for smaller projects or experimental life cycles that are intended to inform future projects within the same company.
Agile Model
Agile software development is a relatively new industry.
Agile methodologies prioritize rapid and continuous release cycles. They use small, incremental changes to each release. The agile methodology results in many more iterations, and more testing than other models.
This model is designed to help teams address minor issues immediately rather than waiting until the later and more complex stages of an undertaking.
SDLC: Benefits
SDLC offers a number advantages to teams who implement it correctly.
Clarified Goal Descriptions
The developers know exactly what they have to do and by when. This reduces the risk that time and resources will be wasted.
Proper Testing Before Installation
SDLC models include checks and balances that ensure all software is thoroughly tested before it is installed into greater source code.
Clear Stage Progression
The manager must approve the previous age before developers can move onto the next.
Flexible Membership
SDLCs are well-structured and have clearly defined project goals and methods. Team members can easily leave the SDLC and be replaced with new team members.
Perfection is Achievable
SDLC stages should be able to feed into each other. SDLC models allow projects to improve and iterate until they are perfect.
The project is not dependent on any one person
Since SDLCs use extensive documentation and guidelines, losing even a major member won’t affect the timeline of the project.
What you need to know about software development life cycle
Where does SDLC come into play?
When developing IT projects, software development life cycles (SDLCs) are commonly used.
SDLCs are used by software development managers to define the various stages of development, ensure that everyone completes the stages in the right order and on time, and deliver the project as quickly and bug-free as is possible.
The SDLCs are also used more specifically by systems analysts when they design and implement new information systems.
What SDLC Model Is Best?
What your team wants to achieve and what resources they need will determine the answer.
Most IT development teams use the agile SDLC methodology. Others may prefer iterative or spiral methods.
These three methods are very popular because they allow extensive testing and iterations before a product can be integrated into a larger source code or released to the market.
DevOps methods are also popular. If you’re ever in need of a refresher on what is DevOps our team at Ostechlabs has you covered!
What is SDLC?
SDLC is a tool that can be used for the development or engineering of software, systems and information systems. The SDLC can be used to create hardware, or even a combination of software and hardware.
FAQs
What were the original phases of software development life cycle?
The original lifecycle of systems development consisted of only five stages, not seven. This included planning, creating and developing, testing and deploying. It is important to note that the analysis and maintenance stages were not included.
What are the seven phases of SDLC?
The seven new phases of SDLC are planning, analysis and design, development, testing implementation and maintenance.
What is the Software Development Lifecycle in MIS?
SDLC is a process that helps managers design, develop and test information systems in order to achieve their goals.
The conclusion is:
Software development life cycle can be beneficial to any team of developers, whether they are in the IT industry or not. You can use the guide above to determine which method you would like to implement in conjunction with SDLC to get the best results.
