Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Stages & Models

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a series of processes typically carried out by a development team to create high-quality software. 

This model is usually implemented to reduce risks and maximize the development process with a more structured and efficient approach. Then, what are the stages that need to be undertaken?

Learn what is SDLC, its functions, stages, and models in the article below.

What is SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)? 

SDLC is an abbreviation for Software Development Life Cycle, which is usually employed in the software development process to ensure that all mechanisms operate effectively and efficiently.

This type of development cycle can help development teams produce high-quality software as quickly as possible with minimal costs. Through this method, you can divide the development plan into several stages. To learn more about the stages, make sure to read this article thoroughly. 

Why is SDLC Important?

The software development process becomes significantly more challenging if you do not implement a mature and appropriate cycle. 

Hence, you need to discover why is SDLC important in the following: 

1. Providing a More Organized Framework

This development cycle contains a structured framework to guide the developer team through each stage of development, from planning to implementation and maintenance.

2. Identifying User Requirements

One of the initial steps in this cycle is identifying user requirements. With this method, you can understand user needs and design appropriate solutions to ensure that the resulting software truly meets their expectations.

3. Enhancing Software Quality

Through some SDLC stages, the software will be regularly tested and evaluated. This is particularly helpful in detecting bugs and performing debugging promptly.

4. Facilitating the Maintenance Process

As this cycle uses structured and repeatable approaches, it becomes easier for teams to identify areas for updates and ensure that the developed software remains relevant and competitive in the market.

5. Risk and Development Cost Management

Through integrated risk evaluation and analysis in each phase, the development team can take preventive actions or early mitigation planning.

By minimizing risks, the development team also reduces unexpected costs, ensuring that the entire software development process stays within budget based on the initial plan.

SDLC Stages

In systems and software engineering, this cycle method divides the development stage into several cycles or phases.

Each stage of the Software Development Life Cycle can provide significant benefits to the development team. Here are the 6 SDLC stages you need to know:

1. Planning

Planning is a crucial stage where the entire team involved in the software development process needs to identify various aspects, ranging from information systems to feasibility studies. 

Some of the activities may include:

• Forming and organizing the development team.
• Analyzing and compiling budget documentation, development flow, and resources.
• Setting the main goals of development.
• Projecting issues to be addressed. 
• Formulating strategies and early evaluation in system development. 
• Determining priorities based on common goals.

2. Analysis

As the name suggests, the analysis stage will encompass the entire process of identification and in-depth analysis.

In this stage, the involved team needs to analyze the functions, requirements, strengths, and weaknesses of the system, as well as potential updates. The activities included in the analysis stage are as follows:

• Conducting brainstorming, research, and literature studies to identify problems, opportunities, and solutions.
• Analyzing software requirements and system limitations.
• Engaging in discussions with the entire development team to determine cases suitable for modeling in a system.

3. Software/System Design

This stage refers to the design process to produce a prototype. In system design, every result of discussions in the planning and analysis phases begins to be developed into a blueprint for the system.

Some activities performed are as follows:

• Creating a database schema based on data from the analysis.
• Ensuring interactions between objects function according to their respective roles.
• Designing an intuitive user interface.

4. Implementation

After the design process is completed, the next stage in SDLC is implementation. In this stage, the development team will focus on building the application. Activities include:

• Organizing the database based on the development schema.
• Creating software with reference to the system design.
• Testing and troubleshooting software for bugs and interactivity.

5. Testing

In this testing stage, the development team ensures that the software operates well and is free from bugs. 

Therefore, the QA (Quality Assurance) team will participate and conduct tests on functionality, performance, and device security. 

Based on the test results, the entire team can review whether the software is ready for release or still requires further improvement.

6. Maintenance

This is the final stage in the Software Development Life Cycle. In this stage, the development team will be responsible for overseeing a system and ensuring it operates according to its goals.

SDLC Models

After understanding the definition, functions, and stages, now you need to also explore some of its various models for different development purposes.

Learn more about it and determine which one is suitable for you.

1. Waterfall

Waterfall is a classic model first proposed in 1970. With this model, you need to complete one phase before moving on to the next. 

2. Iterative

This model runs iteratively, meaning the development team can produce a new software version at the end of each phase.

3. Spiral (Boehm)

Spiral adapts the waterfall model systematically. Here are the pros and cons:

4. RAD (Rapid Application Development)

RAD is a development cycle that can be done within a very short process, usually ranging from 60-90 days.

5. Evolutionary Development

This model uses an iterative approach, with the final version being the most comprehensive.

6. Agile

Agile methodology is well-suited for short-term software development. This approach emphasizes adaptability and incremental delivery throughout the development process.

That concludes the explanation of what SDLC is, its functions, stages, and various models that you can apply in software development.

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