Software Development Life Cycle: All You Should Know

If you’ve decided to order custom software for your company, you need to dive a little deeper into the development details. Since software development is a formidable investment, it requires close collaboration between the developer and the client.

Regardless of the methodology the company is using, it’s up to the client to show their willingness to be involved in the process. The more details you provide about your project, the better outcome you can expect.

Let’s take a closer look at the software development life cycle (SDLC) to give you a better understanding of the development process.

What is Software Development Life Cycle?

The software development life cycle involves producing high-quality software at the lowest cost within a reasonably short timeframe. SDLC is a set of phases that helps developers produce top-notch software to satisfy the client.

The Software Development Life Cycle includes seven phases:

• Requirement analysis
• Planning
• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment
• Operation and maintenance

The most common models are waterfall, agile, and spiral. While each model is different, they are all made up of the above phases, which makes the development structure and process easier.

How Does Software Development Life Cycle Work?

The main goal of SDLC is to lower the cost of the development process while improving its quality and reducing the production time. By following a clear plan, it’s possible to remove the typical problems, avoid common errors, and achieve top results for the majority of software development projects.

The SDLC process starts with identifying problems with the existing software, if any. If you are ordering custom software for the first time, the development team may want to analyze the pitfalls you experience with off-the-shelf apps.

Then the team identifies the requirements of the new system. To do that efficiently, the developers must take the time to learn about your company’s needs and requirements. Your initial list of demands may not be complete without a professional evaluation of the entire work process.

The next stages involve careful planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. The SLDC approach is excellent for anticipating costly errors like failing to ask clients for regular feedback. It can eliminate extra expenses while providing top-notch results for the client.

SLDC puts a strong focus on the testing phase, which depending on the methodology, can be done on a regular basis. Such focus can help eliminate mistakes timely to avoid formidable expenses. The quality of code is ensured at each development cycle.

What Are the Key Stages of Software Development Life Cycle?

Let’s take a closer look at each of the stages of the software development lifecycle:

• Requirement Analysis – determines what the app is supposed to do, and what the client’s requirements are. It can also include defining the resources needed to develop the program.
• Planning – during the planning phase, the development team leader and the client determine the terms of the project. It involves signing a contract, calculating costs, setting a timetable, discussing goals, and the like. Planning must define the scope and purpose of the software and plot the course for the team to develop it.
• Design – this phase models the way an app will work. Some of the main aspects of the design phase are architecture, UI, programming, communications, and security. Prototyping can also be part of the design phase. It can give the team and the client the basic idea of what the app looks like.
• Development – this is the actual coding phase. It could be done by one or several software developers. Depending on the methodology, the developing process can be done in stages.
• Testing – checking how well the program works is an integral part of the software development process. Testing ensures that all functions work correctly and catches any bugs or glitches along the way
• Deployment – at this stage, the program becomes available to the users. This phase can be simple and automated. However, some companies may go through complicated deployment process to ensure quality.
• Operation and maintenance – this final stage of SDLC involves watching the way the program works and eliminating any bugs that appear in the process.

Following the SDLC closely simplifies software development and ensures top-notch results.

Exploring Different SDLC Models

While the software development life cycle stages remain fairly consistent, there are different approaches or models to execute them. The most commonly used are the waterfall, agile, and spiral models.

• Waterfall Model: This is a linear and sequential approach where each stage begins only after the previous one is completed. This model is simple and easy to understand but lacks flexibility as there's no turning back once a phase is completed.
• Agile Model: This model is iterative and flexible. Development and testing activities are concurrent, enhancing adaptability to changes. It promotes continuous communication between developers and stakeholders, facilitating the swift addressing of issues and changes. Also read: Different Agile Methodologies.

• Spiral Model: This combines the design phase of the waterfall model and the iterative nature of the agile model. It allows for early identification and mitigation of risks, making it suitable for large and complex projects.

The Role of Stakeholders in SDLC

The software development life cycle is a collaborative effort, and each stakeholder plays a significant role:

• Project Managers: They oversee the project from initiation to closure, ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and within budget.
• Developers: They are responsible for designing and building the software.
• Testers: They ensure the software is error-free and meets the required specifications. Also read: Exploring Different Software Testing Types.
• Clients: Clients give the initial requirements, provide feedback during each stage, and use the final product.

Harnessing Tools and Techniques for SDLC

A range of modern tools and techniques are utilized in the SDLC to improve efficiency:

• Project Management Tools: These help in scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking progress.
• Collaboration Tools: These facilitate better communication among team members.
• Automated Testing Tools: These assist in quickly identifying and fixing software bugs.

Common Challenges and Solutions in SDLC

Despite the benefits of SDLC, there can be challenges:

• Changing Requirements: Regularly changing requirements can lead to project delays. Agile methodologies can be employed to deal with this challenge effectively.
• Budget Overruns: Poor estimation can lead to budget overruns. Using project management tools and experienced managers can help in better cost estimation and control.

The Takeaway

SDLC is an integral part of the software development process. It consists of seven stages. Each of them contributes to the quality and speed of development. While the SDLC model applies to several development methodologies, its key phases are similar. Following deployment, it's crucial to provide user training to ensure the software is correctly used and benefits are maximized. Regular system evaluations help identify any lingering issues or areas for improvement, and proper update procedures must be in place to ensure the software evolves with user needs and industry advancements.