7 Stages of the Software Development Life Cycle
If you are new to the wide world of software development, you need to understand the Software Development Life Cycle SDLC. Success in the field of software development relies on reliable methodologies and detailed processes. To get streamlined success in this field, you need to know about the stages of SDLC. This article has covered all of these stages for you.
What is Software Development Life Cycle?
The systematic approach to creating a structure for a designer or developer to design, produce, and deliver high-quality software is called Software Development Life cycle SDLC. This stage aims to create high-quality and cost-effective products based on the needs and requirements of the customer. The SDLC process comprises a detailed plan for a developer to maintain high-end software. This process contains the activities that constitute the development of an information technology system. Mostly, the software companies in Manchester use SDLC models because it helps them implement software projects in a structured manner.
What are the Stages of Software Development Life Cycle SDLC?
There are seven phases or stages in a Software Development Life Cycle SDLC:
- Planning
- Requirements Analysis
- Design & Prototype
- Software Development
- Integration & Testing
- Deployment/ Implementation
- Operations & Maintenance
1. SDLC- Planning
Planning is the first step of the process of SDLC. Before starting developing any software, it is necessary to have a proper plan that determines the whole process and success of the entire process. Before starting, the team ensures that they have enough people and financial backing and then moves forward. In this stage, the whole team share ideas, estimate costs, and discuss the requirements. At the end of this stage, the developing team comes up with a plan that the entire team can understand. In this stage, the team also ensures that the development of a particular program is worth investing in or not.
2. SDLC- Analysis
This stage involves gathering as much data as possible. In this stage, every point and aspect is discussed with the customer to know about the client’s requirements. The team analysis every detail while keeping Hardware, operating systems, security, programming, cost, and everything in mind. These requirements are expectations are documented, and the team ensures that it will meet the expectations of the audience. After that, the developing team performs a feasibility study and makes sure that the system makes sense from the organizational, financial, and technological points. In this process, IT departments, Architects, and developers collaborate to express the new technology.
3. SDLC- Design
This phase begins after the setting of requirements. This stage describes the approach towards the database, network, security, and architect. During this stage, the team creates a rough but detailed solution. This stage helps to get early feedback and make more informed technology decisions. Skipping this step involves the risk of time wastage in producing a solution that does not meet the needs of final customers. Well-made design is then reviewed and approved by the stakeholder and moved forward for polishing. After deciding the best software design, the developer selects the suitable program language for the software.
4. SDLC- Development
This phase marks the end of the primary part of the entire process and begins the production part. This stage is the time of coding, where the finalized design gets translated into computer language. This stage involves a lot of effort, hard work, and time than other stages. Therefore, it is known as the busiest stage of the Software Development Life Cycle. The tasks involved in this stage are divided into modules and assigned to different developers. The developers then code the entire design in the computer-legible language. The developers use several guidelines and tools such as compilers, interpreters, and debuggers for implementing the code. In this stage, any enhancements or modifications also take place.
5. SDLC- Testing
After the completion of coding, testing begins. The prepared work gets released for evaluation, known as software testing. This stage is necessary for finding and fixing the bugs. This period involves extensive reviewing, and in case of any issue, the work gets assigned to developers for repair. In this stage, the testers check for the quality of code and the evidence of secure development principles also. This stage gives out the best results and solutions that meet the user’s needs. Retests are get conducted until the product becomes perfect and meets the expectations of the consumer.
6. SDLC- Deployment / Implementation
This phase can refer to as both the implementation stage and the deployment stage. This stage involves the running of codes. This stage is simple in small projects as compared to large projects. Larger projects require integration with several other systems also. The final output after this stage is the usable software. This new system replaces the old one, and after the completion of this stage, the software is available for the end-users. The end-users get provided with relevant documentation that will guide them on how to operate the software. At this stage, another small testing gets performed for peace of mind.
7. SDLC- Maintenance
When the software has passed through all of the stages, a maintenance cycle begins. The actual evaluation starts at this stage when the software is available for the customer. The issues start generating when the customer starts using the software, and these issues are resolved from time to time. It is the last phase where the product gets taken under proper care. Throughout this stage, the support specialists report the issues, and the developers work on them and make improvements constantly. Over time, the software gets updated according to changing environment or technology also.
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Conclusion
To meet the deadlines and avoid delays, the software developers need to develop a plan of action. Businesses need to stand tall in this competitive world by developing effective planning, strategies, processes, applications, and methodologies. A software Development Life Cycle aims to provide a high-quality solution for the successful production of software. Before starting developing a new product, make sure to follow all these stages of SDLC also.
