SDLC is a structured process used by software developers to design, develop, and test high-quality software. It aims to produce a high-quality product that meets or exceeds customer expectations within the time and cost estimates.
SDLC Phases
graph TD
A[Planning] --> B[Analysis]
B --> C[Design]
C --> D[Implementation]
D --> E[Testing & Integration]
E --> F[Maintenance]
F --> A
Phase Details
- Planning: Define the scope, objectives, and feasibility of the project. Identify resources and potential risks.
- Analysis: Gather requirements from stakeholders and define the "What" of the software system.
- Design: Define the "How" of the system. Design software architecture, UI/UX, and database schemas.
- Implementation: This is the actual coding phase. Developers write code according to the design specifications.
- Testing & Integration: Verify that the software is bug-free and meets the requirements. Integrate different modules.
- Maintenance: Deploy the software and perform ongoing updates, bug fixes, and improvements.
Common Methodologies
- Waterfall: Linear and sequential; each phase must be completed before the next begins.
- Agile: Iterative and incremental; focuses on flexibility, collaboration, and customer feedback.
- Scrum: A specific Agile framework using Sprints, Daily Stand-ups, and Retrospectives.
- Kanban: A visual system for managing work as it moves through a process.
- DevOps: A set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops).
- Spiral: Combines iterative development with systematic aspects of the Waterfall model, focusing on risk assessment.