For a development process to be efficient, a well-defined strategy must be in place, which includes a consistent step-by-step approach to get from one point to the next. The world of development is vast, and for beginners, it can be very confusing, however, to get started, you need an understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
What Is SDLC?
Software Development Life Cycle explains the process used in the production of high-quality software at an affordable cost within a short time frame. It also talks about the gradual process that must be adopted in the development, alteration, maintenance and replacement of a software system.
There are different stages that SDLC must go through, and they include planning, design, building, testing, and deployment. Some notable models of SDLC include the Waterfall Model, Spiral Model and the Agile Model.
The SDLC Process
The effect of SDLC on software development is first seen on its cost. SDLC crashes the amount needed for software creation, and at the same time, it reduces production time and ensures the best quality is achieved. All these achievements are not gotten out of thin air; rather, they come as a result of a carefully-followed plan.
The first line of action in the plan is to check for deficiencies in existing systems. This is followed by specifying a list of things that the new system will require. Next, the software is created by way of design, development, testing, and deployment.
How is SDLC Executed?
SDLC has laid down procedures that must be followed for the best outcome.
The Problem Identification Stage:
This stage is an integral part of SDLC execution as it needs external contributions from industry experts, customers, programmers and salespeople to ascertain the weaknesses and strengths of the present system in order to tailor-out a solution.
The Planning Stage:
Here, the team figures out what the new software needs as well as the resources and costs needed for its actualization. All possible risks are identified with sub-plans made available to mitigate them. A Software Requirement Specification document is made at this stage.
The Design Stage:
After the specification of the software has been agreed upon, this stage goes on to design a plan to actualize it, and this plan is known as the Design Specification. Stakeholders then consider the idea, and every feedback and suggestions from them are noted in the document. This stage is very crucial because a single error could lead to cost overruns or worse, project failure.
The Building Stage:
This stage would be the least complicated if the previous steps were done correctly. The software is developed in this SDLC stage by generating all the actual code.
The Testing Stage:
A special detailed attention is paid to the software in this stage to locate and correct defects and deficiencies so that the product is up to the original specifications.
The Deployment Stage:
The deployment stage has to do with adjustments being made on the software, and it works in line with the responses received from end-users.
The Maintenance Stage:
Oftentimes, the reality on the ground is different from what the software offers, so in this stage, the software is fine-tuned until it solves real-world problems.
Some Examples of SDLC
Spiral Model:
The spiral model is regarded as the most flexible among all the SDLC models. It lays emphasis on repetition, cross checking the planning, design, build and test phases time and time again, with an improvement made after each check.
Agile Model:
The Agile model breaks down the product into cycles in order to complete it much faster. This model adopts subsequent releases to test a product. Each release is expected to bring back users feedback which will be applied in the next version.
Waterfall Model:
This is the oldest and most uncomplicated SDLC model. It requires the completion of one phase before starting another. There’s a mini-plan for each phase and each of them “waterfalls” into the next.
Summary
A properly executed SDLC can help developers understand the reasons behind a software project to build and come up with more accurate designs. It sheds light on the resources available for the project as well as the cost needed for its actualization.
The SDLC is not without risks, and in the absence of proper care, it can become a recipe for disaster instead of a tool for productivity. When the needs of users, customers and stakeholders are ignored, it can spell doom for the project from the very beginning. SDLC only becomes beneficial when its best practices are followed to the letter.
