SDLC: Your Key to Outstanding Software Projects

Software development is an integral part of running a company, as it allows you to improve productivity and stay competitive, among many other benefits. However, developing software can prove quite challenging because of factors like changing needs and new technology. This is where the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) comes in.  

The primary aim of the SDLC is to create high-quality software that fits customer requirements at reduced costs and is completed on time. 

This article details what the SDLC is and how it works. Let’s dive into it! 

What is SDLC? 

Software Development Life Cycle is a framework that outlines a plan to design, deploy, test, and maintain software systems and applications. In other words, it is a list of tasks that must be performed while developing and maintaining software. 

It consists of several phases that culminate in successful software. Depending on how these phases are arranged, there are also different SDLC models. If you find the idea of SDLC overwhelming or confusing, especially if it is your first time, there are several software development companies that will assist you with the process.  

Stages of an SDLC 

The process of software development consists of several phases. These stages might have variations, but here are some standard SDLC stages that a custom software development company is most likely to follow.  

Planning 

The first stage of the SDLC planning involves collecting input from all the stakeholders, which may include customers, salespeople, industry experts (both internal and external), and developers. Then, all this information is used for requirement analysis, guiding the team towards the desired software. 

Project and product management are also important aspects of this phase. Tasks like cost-benefit analysis, resource allocation, and scheduling are handled here. Additionally, the team analyses the risk and determines the project's feasibility. This allows them to find ways to complete the project with the lowest risk. 

Another aspect that could potentially strengthen the planning process is looking for problem areas in the current software. Getting input and feedback can help identify strengths and weaknesses and enrich the next project. 

Designing 

This phase details how to achieve the specifications designated in the planning stage. The best solutions to create the software are drawn out in a Design Document Specification (DDS). 

This design plan includes the project architecture, along with the data structures, interfaces, and components. The best technology and development tools to use are identified. 

Stakeholders then review the DDS, and the best design plan is selected, depending on the circumstances. 

Building 

This is the stage where the actual development of the software begins. The developers generate the programming code according to the approved blueprint. It is important that they adhere to the pre-planned design plan to avoid any disorganization and unnecessary hassle.  

Programming tools like compilers, interpreters, and debuggers may be used to generate the code. The programming language also needs to be chosen according to the type of software being developed. 

Testing 

In this phase, the developed product undergoes quality assurance and testing using various methods, usually both manual and automated. Bugs, errors, and other defects are identified and fixed. The product is tested and fixed until it reaches the initially defined standards. 

This process is imperative in helping custom software development companies ensure quality and enhance consumer satisfaction. 

Deploying 

Once the software is ready, it is time to deploy it so users can access it. Depending on the business strategy of the company, deployment may happen in stages or all at once.  

The software, after its successful release, requires ongoing maintenance. This includes bug fixes, updates, and enhancements to ensure it is secure, reliable and meets user requirements. Collecting feedback would help give direction to maintenance efforts. 

Different SDLC Models 

Different SDLC models approach the software development process in different ways. The choice of an SDLC model depends on the needs of the project.  

Here are some of the popular models. 

Waterfall Model 

The waterfall model is the oldest and most simple. In this model, each phase needs to be completed before moving to the next one. It flows from one stage to another like a waterfall, hence the name.  

As it is difficult to accommodate changes in a completed phase in this model, it is suitable for projects where the requirements are well-defined, and tasks are easy to arrange. 

Iterative Model 

This model is based on repetition. After one version is created, developers ‘iterate,’ that is, build upon it with successive modifications and produce new versions at the end of each iteration. This goes on until the desired software is made. 

This is best suited to projects that have changing needs or those that require frequent refinement. However, keeping in mind that the iterative model can use up resources at a rapid rate, adequate planning is required. 

Agile Model 

This SDLC model separates the phases into different cycles and delivers products with slight modifications in each cycle. This is then tested, and issues are identified and addressed. Stakeholders are more involved in this model and can provide feedback throughout the process. 

This could be used for projects where the requirements are unclear and frequent stakeholder interactions are necessary. 

V- Shaped Model 

The V-shaped model runs the verification and validation phases parallelly. Each development phase is associated with a corresponding testing phase. As the steps are completed one at a time, this is a highly disciplined and easy-to-understand model. However, it might be insufficient for complex projects. 

Benefits of SDLC 

A structured design project has multiple benefits. Here are some of them: 

• The goals are clearly mapped out in advance, and potential problems are planned. This reduces any chaos or confusion that could occur. 

• As SDLC models allocate resources more effectively, there is less room for wastage. Thus, they allow for efficient resource management. 

• With a well-designed SDLC, everything is documented, and the progress is recorded. This means that the loss of a project member doesn’t cause setbacks. 

• Security concerns are prioritized. 

In Conclusion 

With streamlined workflows and seamless collaboration across teams, SDLC offers greater chances of success. In order to fully reap the benefits of SDLC, consider reaching out to a software development company.