Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Subject: Systems Analysis and Design (INS 204)
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured framework that guides software projects from initial planning through design, coding, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. It ensures software is delivered systematically, meeting business goals, user needs, and quality standards.
SDLC is a disciplined, repeatable process for building and maintaining software systems.Its purpose is to provides a roadmap for developers, managers, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with requirements.
Benefits1. Early detection of defects
2. Better cost and time estimation
3. Improved documentation and transparency
4. Higher-quality software delivery
Core Phases of SDLC
While models vary (Waterfall, Agile, Iterative, DevOps), most SDLC frameworks include 8 key stages:
1. Planning: this is the foundation stage where the project’s scope, objectives, resources, and timelines are defined. Stakeholders discuss what the software should achieve and outline risks.
Example a company planning to build an e-commerce website decides on features like product listings, shopping cart, and payment integration.
2. Feasibility Study: here, the team evaluates whether the project is technically, financially, and operationally viable. It answers: Can we build it? Should we build it? For example before developing a mobile banking app, the bank checks if the infrastructure can handle secure transactions and whether the budget supports the project.
3. Requirements Analysis: detailed requirements are gathered from stakeholders and documented. Both functional (what the system should do) and non-functional (performance, security) requirements are captured. For example, a hospital management system, requirements include patient registration, appointment scheduling, and secure access for doctors.
4. System Design: the architecture of the system is created. This includes database design, user interface layouts, and system workflows.
5. Implementation (Coding): developers write the actual code based on the design documents. Programming languages, frameworks, and tools are chosen here. For example, a Python team codes the backend of a food delivery app, while another team builds the mobile front-end in Flutter.
6. Testing: the software is tested to ensure it meets requirements and is free of defects. This includes unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. For example, a payroll system is tested to confirm that salary calculations, tax deductions, and payslip generation work correctly.
7. Deployment: the software is released to users. This may be a full launch or a phased rollout. Deployment can be on-premises, cloud-based, or via app stores.
8. Maintenance: after deployment, the software requires updates, bug fixes, and enhancements to remain useful and secure. For example WhatsApp regularly updates its app to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features like disappearing messages.
Together, these phases ensure software is built systematically, reducing risks and improving quality.
Advantages of SDLC
1. Structured Approach: SDLC provides a clear roadmap with defined phases, reducing confusion and ensuring systematic progress.
2. Improved Quality: Each stage (planning, testing, maintenance) ensures the software meets requirements and is reliable.
3. Risk Management: Early feasibility studies and requirement analysis help identify risks before development begins.
4. Better Communication: Documentation at every stage improves collaboration between developers, managers, and stakeholders.
5. Predictability: Timelines, costs, and deliverables are easier to estimate, making projects more manageable.
6. Flexibility Across Models: Different SDLC models (Waterfall, Agile, Iterative) allow teams to choose what fits their project best.
Limitations of SDLC
1. Time-Consuming: Detailed documentation and multiple phases can slow down delivery, especially in traditional models like Waterfall.
2. High Cost: Extensive planning, testing, and maintenance may increase project expenses.
3. Rigid Structure: Some SDLC models don’t adapt well to changing requirements (e.g., Waterfall struggles with mid-project changes).
4. Complexity: Large projects may require significant resources and expertise to manage all phases effectively.
5. Dependency on Requirements: If requirements are unclear or incomplete, the entire cycle may produce unsatisfactory results.
6. Maintenance Burden: Continuous updates and bug fixes can consume time and resources long after deployment.
SDLC is powerful for structured, high-quality software development, but it requires careful planning and flexibility to avoid delays and inefficiencies.
Assignment1. What is Agile SDLC models
2. What are it's advantages and disadvantages
By:
Vision University
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