It may be helpful to have an excellent working knowledge of popular frameworks such as Agile and Scrum, as well as the unique vocabulary and concepts they use.
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) makes it possible to quickly produce high-quality, affordable software. The SDLC aims to create software that surpasses client expectations. A procedure with phases is outlined and described by the SDLC. Every stage has a unique system and set of deliverables. The SDLC helps accelerate development while lowering the risks and expenses related to other production techniques.
What is the SDLC?
The software development life cycle is a series of steps that enable the developing of new software products. Most SDLCs provide a mixture of description and software development methodology.
These SDLCs describe the process of software development and provide software requirements, strategies, and phases that developers can use to create large-scale software projects. This framework describes the entire development cycle, from planning, building, testing, and deploying the software quality.
An SDLC helps developers understand the software development process and guides the operations team to develop new, quality software.
What are the Phases in the SDLC?
Depending on which framework a company or development team uses, the specific phases of the SDLC may vary. These phases are included in most SDLC models.
- Requirement Analysis: Determining the user requirements for the software.
- Design: Planning what they will do to create software that meets these requirements.
- Testing: Testing product functionality.
- Product Deployment: Making it available to end-users.
- Maintenance: Keeping the product up-to-date, discussing it to meet customer expectations, and making sure that the product works appropriately for customer satisfaction.
A few models of the SDLC include an ideation phase, which occurs before the requirement analysis phase. The development team can get ideas and concepts at this early stage and share them with potential users and clients. This will help to determine the software's requirements.
The divisions between these phases might only sometimes be evident in practice. Some development phases may overlap depending on the strategy and structure of the development team. Some stages might recur during the entire development cycle.
For example, a requirement analysis can occur during a project's progress. The client's needs can change over time, and early miscommunications could require adjustments later in the project.
After deployment, the unit testing, design, or development phases can all be repeated as part of the maintenance-update development process for the software units that a team supports after launch.
Planning Phase
All aspects of project and product management are included in planning. This covers project scheduling, resource allocation, and capacity planning. Provisioning and cost estimation are also typical.
The planning stage is when developers solicit feedback from all interested parties. This comprises clients, salespeople, and programmers. An extensive list of the specifications needed to develop the desired software is created from the input. The team also analyzes the resources required to complete the project and estimates the cost.
At this time, expectations are also set. The team decides what is necessary and what is not in the software. This stage results in measurable deliverables such as project plans, cost projections, timetables, and procurement needs.
Coding Phase
System design is done during the coding process in an integrated development environment. Static code analysis, code review, and code review for various device kinds are included.
Building Phase
The program is constructed during the building phase using the preceding coding requirements.
Testing Phase
The software is evaluated during this phase. The testing team assesses the product(s) to see if they satisfy the criteria established during the "planning phase."
Functional testing is part of assessments. These include acceptability testing, unit testing, code quality testing, integration testing, system testing, security testing, and performance testing. If a flaw is discovered, the developers are informed. If a fault is found, the developers are informed.
Automated testing is the best technique to ensure that all tests execute consistently and reliably. Tools for continuous integration make this possible.
Release Phase
The packaging, management, and deployment of releases in various environments are all included in the release process.
Deploy Phase
The software is formally released to the production environment during the deployment phase.
Operate Phase
In the production environment, the software is used throughout the operating phase.
Monitor Phase
During the monitor phase, many software components will be observed. These consist of user experience, system performance, and new security flaws. They also make it possible to examine defects or other systemic issues.
Different SDLC Models
Different software development life cycles can be modelled in different ways. Other SDLC models work best for other projects and teams. Waterfall, Scrum, and Agile development are the most popular SDLC models.
Waterfall Model
In most cases, the waterfall model has five phases:
- Requirements Determination
- Design
- Implementation
- Verification
- Maintenance
Some models break down the design phase into logical and physical design phases. Some models may also include a deployment phase in between maintenance and verification.
The waterfall approach allows each primary phase of single software model development to be completed consecutively until the product is ready for use. The completion of one stage is usually required before the next stage can be started. Each phase requires the deliverables of the previous step. Progress flows in one direction only-these phases "waterfall" into each other.
Limitations
The waterfall approach isn't iterative and is usually less flexible than other approaches. This approach will limit developers' ability to experiment with possible solutions or revise work while developing.
Waterfall may be used to prevent development teams from adapting to changing client requirements. Redevelopment, redesign, and retesting are all necessary. This can lead to slower and more costly development. The waterfall method is still popular, despite its limitations. However, it is less popular than before 2000.
Prototyping Model
As the name implies, the prototyping model involves a prototyping phase where the security team tests potential software security features and design strategies.
Customers, clients, and potential users test the prototypes and then provide feedback. This customer feedback is then incorporated into the design and requirement planning phases. The team develops new prototypes. Once the customer requirement is fulfilled with the prototype, the development process continues as usual.
This model addresses many of the shortcomings of the waterfall model. This is one of the most widely used SDLCs. It balances the simplicity of Waterfall with some improvements that increase complexity and help mitigate risk assessment.
Iterative approach
The iterative approach to custom software development framework means the team does not assume that the first version they release will be the one they deploy. Instead, the team prepares to go through multiple iterations (or development cycles) before they arrive at a final project ready for deployment.
Iterative approaches can also be incremental. This means that the project scope is broken down into smaller pieces so the team can work on it one at a time. Once completed, these smaller chunks can be tested individually or sent to clients for feedback. This allows the development team to understand the clients needs better.
Iterative approaches are similar to prototyping models, but project requirements can be modified throughout development. The team does not expect to have a dedicated prototyping phase where needs can change. Still, they anticipate that the scope and requirements will remain somewhat uncertain once the project is completed and deployed.
The iterative approach, which builds on the waterfall model and addresses many of its flaws, is similar to the prototyping method. Clients are involved in many stages of the development process. This is in contrast to the prototyping model.
Agile
SDLC: The agile model can describe software development methodologies based on the Agile manifesto. The manifesto contains 12 principles that guide software development. These include accepting changing requirements, delivering software frequently, and communicating face-to-face.
This approach is best suited for projects with changing requirements where the development team must adapt quickly to the development progress.
Many agile software development company approaches use the same management and development practices as stand-ups and pair programming. These practices allow developers to align their work with Agile principles.
In the ideal Agile team, the workplace is self-organizing and collaboration-oriented. They often deliver working software, and they measure their progress by how much software the industry produces.
Agile is very popular in startups, where the rapid development of software can help companies secure funding and grow their client base. Agile development has its limitations, just like other SDLCs.
Agile critics claim that Agile's rapid development pace can limit the potential for new projects. Instead of experimenting, learning, and acquiring new skills, developers should focus on creating software that works with their existing competencies and not on learning new ones.
Read More: Benefits, Stages & Methodology of Software Development Life Cycle
Scrum
Scrum is an Agile derivative that offers a deliverable-oriented approach for product development and the SDLC.
Scrum project management comprises a Scrum Master, project manager, product owner, and other cross-functional members. The Scrum Master ensures that the Scrum framework is followed.
The framework is heavily dependent on "sprints." These are short periods that last between two and four weeks. During these sprints, team members can work on a portion of the project scope. This work is delivered to clients at the end of each sprint. Scrum, like all Agile frameworks, focuses heavily on software deliverables. This is a measure of progress. Scrum is subject to most of the same criticisms as Agile.
Kanban
Kanban is another framework that can be used to implement agile software engineering. Kanban is a more traditional Agile methodology than other Agile methods. It makes minor changes to the standard software development team structure. This makes Kanban an excellent fit for organizations with more traditional forms. Kanban is a way to break down work into smaller tasks and organize them.
This methodology is based on a Kanban board project management tool that helps the team visualize work. The Kanban board shows the current tasks and completed tasks, as well as future tasks. Digital Kanban boards are popular among groups. However, physical boards are also helpful for organizing projects.
Although the methodology does not provide tools for helping the development team manage the project's timeline, it can make it difficult to estimate how long a project might take. Complex projects can also lead to Kanban boards with intricate designs that are hard for the team members to comprehend.
There are Pros and Cons to Using an SDLC Model
Software developers can use a formal framework to guide them through creating new software. An SDLC model is an excellent way to clarify the project's goals and streamline management. It also reduces the risk of missed deadlines or budget overruns.
However, there are some disadvantages to using an SDLC model. A poor framework can, for instance, limit team flexibility and create unrealistic expectations regarding how development will progress. For larger teams, where communication, management, and organization can be more challenging, a too-loose or flexible framework can cause problems.
Pros of the Software Development Lifecycle
The best level of documentation and management control may be provided through SDLC. Developers are aware of what to do and why. Everyone is on board with the objective and has a strategy for achieving it. The prices and available resources are known to all.
Managing Change More Successfully
By producing fewer iterations, the team can concentrate on adding value. They can know some things in advance. The team will review the backlog and choose where to focus their time during the upcoming sprint.
Increased Customer Engagement
Client participation is essential to agile development at every stage. The clients will be able to assess work products during review meetings and assist the development team in prioritizing the following sprint. Regular communication between the client and the developers helps to clarify their needs.
Higher Productivity
Agile enables more efficient resource management. People find it simpler to get going and remain productive as a result. There are constant deadlines and milestones because the work is divided into iterations. Developers are concentrated on progress and refactoring. They will only idle in the discovery and design phases as they wait for results.
Visibility
Agile enables you to see the product through, from idea to completion. As the application develops, you may also offer input on how it goes.
Agree to clear definitions.
Are IT staff confused when the terms "ready" or "done" are used? Agile is built on these definitions. It can indicate that the project is finished or that client testing is about to begin. When there are explicit definitions, developers are more responsible. All share the objectives.
Cons of the Software Development Lifecycle
It Lessens Departmental Coordination and Communication
Because SDLC is a linear model, this strategy produces information silos. Before moving on to the subsequent phase, the organization must finish the preceding one.
The engineering team is the only one with a laser-like focus on the project during the implementation phase. This implies that because the QA and UX teams are not part of a cross-functional group in constant communication during the development process, they may miss out on crucial learning.
It is Time-Consuming and Doesn't Allow for Much Flexibility
The SDLC approach may also result in excessive reliance on the process. "People over procedure" is the guiding philosophy of agile development. As a result, agile teams can swiftly modify their plans as necessary.
With the SDLC framework, it is considerably more challenging to accomplish this because the team decides up front that they will adhere to a particular development program.
It Initially Introduces a Single Point of Failure
The team decides how to construct the whole product based on the initial requirements analysis and collection. The first stage may result in a failed product if the team accurately estimates the market.
A flexible strategy is different. The company regularly evaluates the product's development and seeks consumer feedback. This reduces the likelihood that the development team will create a product or add substantial new functionality without determining whether a market exists. These disadvantages might give the impression that SDLC is useless for agile development teams.
Agile development practices frequently incorporate the SDLC framework. Agile teams divide the product's development process into shorter iterations, known as "sprints." Every sprint will have each phase completed swiftly.
Software Development can be Streamlined with an SDLC
A software development team can create a software life cycle that describes the process of creating new software. This description will help developers better understand the project and provide frameworks to guide software development.
The waterfall model was the original SDLC. This simple approach to waterfall project management services had significant limitations. Businesses will likely use a different system for larger software projects. This could be the prototyping approach, the iterative approach, or any other variation of the Agile methodology.
Conclusion
Each SDLC model has its advantages and disadvantages. Many of these SDLC models can guide software developers through development if used correctly. Only some SDLC approaches are suitable for some projects.
Before it is released and deployed, the software undergoes some steps, starting with conception. Updating and adding new features to existing software is a continuous process that lasts until a system or application is replaced or discontinued.
Software development services providers have been done in various ways over the years. Agile is advancing swiftly, yet Waterfall is still a popular approach for creating software. Make sure you have the proper tools, regardless of your chosen strategy. The software cannot be trusted without them. Having a few options is preferable to having none, even when there isn't a single ideal method.
