As technology rapidly evolves, innovation is at its peak. According to these statistics, the software industry will grow increasingly in the next few years.

With a variety of technological innovations available, the IT world has become competitive. The factor that creates a successful application depends on the Software development life cycle.

What Is The Software Development Life Cycle?

Also known as SDLC, this lifecycle is a methodology or conceptual framework for low code app development. Its use is mainly in development projects to create high-quality software. The framework has clearly defined steps or phases that assist small as well as large organizations. 

These projects are complex and sometimes frustrating. But the SDLC tries to make it easier, more disciplined, and more systematic. Expert development teams like Qulix use this methodology and related models to enhance the potential usefulness of your product.

Before releasing the software in the market, the process follows a step-by-step approach for a satisfying final result. Its stages range from the initial planning of the roadmap to the maintenance after deployment.

By following SDLC, organizations can produce an exceptional and cost-effective outcome conveniently.

History Of SLDC

The introduction of SDLC came to light during the 1950s and 1960s. As computer science progressed further, large corporations developed this staged process. It essentially required analysis and data processing. 

Corporations also developed the framework as the structured programming concept occurred. Practices in prototyping led to various innovations in SDLC. It brought in different models within it.

The Different Stages Or Phases Of SLDC

Requirement Gathering And Analysis

During this stage, the team must extract information or ideas from the client. It involves the purpose and function of the product as well as the problems it aims to solve.

Business analysts and project managers must have transparent conversations during requirement analysis. Meetings with the client offer a core understanding of the product. 

After gathering the requirements, analysis helps to check the practicality of the idea.

Design

The second stage of SLDC involves designing the product. During this phase, the team decides the overall system architecture.

After the creation of the design plan, stakeholders review it and offer their suggestions and feedback. Collecting feedback and working on it ensures that the outcome will satisfy the client. 

Failure at this stage will result in cost overruns or an unsuccessful project.

Code

Once the developer receives the design document, coding begins. The engineering team codes the product according to the company’s standards. Designers follow the best guidelines and use the programming tools they possess.

Testing

After completing the coding, the next step in SLDC is testing the finished version of the software. The thorough testing checks for any bugs or potential threats.

Deployment

After correcting the defects, the software releases into the production environment. The product is now available to the public and customers to use readily.

Maintenance

In SLDC, this is an essential step that is of utmost significance. 

Developers maintain the product as it goes live. Maintenance also upgrades it according to future needs or customer’s suggestions. Along with maintenance, tracking its performance is also essential.

The Models Of SDLC

The SDLC models act as a descriptive representation of the development cycle. Among all, the teams select one model suitable for the project. The most common SDLC models are:

Waterfall

This SDLC model is the oldest, straightforward and widely used. It involves each phase having its mini-plan. The outcome of one step is input for the next.

V-shaped

V-shaped model refers to verification and validation. It prioritizes development and testing that goes hand in hand. 

Agile model 

The agile model delivers a working program quickly. It works well for time-critical applications and employs disciplinary methods.

Prototype

In this SDLC model, the development of a prototype comes before the operating system. It uses dummy functions for creating prototypes. This mechanism helps understand the customer’s needs.

Iterative

Iterative places emphasis on repetition. By repeatedly testing the product, developers create a final version quickly for less cost. It includes evaluating and improving it through rapid successions.

Spiral

Spiral is the most flexible SDLC model and is similar to Iterative. It goes through various stages and ensures gradual improvements with each passing step.

The Bottom Line

For a successful software project, a proper SDLC is highly crucial. By following the stages of the framework and selecting a suitable model, the process becomes manageable.

A software development by kandasoft is one of the best ways to start with your project.