SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process used by software developers to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications. The SDLC methodology provides a framework for project management and ensures that the software meets the needs of the end users while also meeting quality and performance standards.

Methodology:

The SDLC methodology consists of several key stages, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of the development process. These stages include planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

Benefits:

The SDLC methodology offers several benefits, including improved project management, increased efficiency, better collaboration among team members, better communication, and increased customer satisfaction. By following the SDLC process, software development teams can ensure that the software meets the requirements of the end users and is delivered on time and within budget.

Key stages:

Planning: The first stage of the SDLC involves defining the scope of the project, identifying the goals and objectives, and determining the resources required to complete the project. This stage includes creating a project plan, defining the project scope, and identifying the project stakeholders.

Analysis: In the analysis stage, the development team analyses the requirements of the software application and identifies any potential issues or challenges. This stage includes gathering user requirements, creating a functional specification, and identifying any constraints or limitations.

Design: The design stage involves creating a detailed design of the software application. This stage includes creating a technical specification, designing the user interface, and creating a database schema.

Implementation: The implementation stage involves writing the code and building the software application. This stage includes programming, testing, and debugging the software.

Testing: The testing stage involves ensuring that the software application meets the requirements and functions as expected. This stage includes creating test cases, performing functional testing, and conducting user acceptance testing.

Deployment: The deployment stage involves delivering the software application to the end users. This stage includes preparing the software for deployment, creating installation packages, and deploying the software to the production environment.

Maintenance: The maintenance stage involves ensuring that the software application remains functional and up-to-date after deployment. This stage includes fixing any bugs or issues that arise, updating the software to meet changing requirements, and providing technical support to end users.

In conclusion, the SDLC methodology provides a structured approach to software development that ensures that the software meets the needs of the end users while also meeting quality and performance standards. By following the key stages of the SDLC, software development teams can improve project management, increase efficiency, and deliver software applications that meet the needs of their customers.

REFERENCE

Svitla Team (2019) Svitla. Available at: https://svitla.com/blog/sdlc-methodologies(Accessed: 1 March 2023)