SDLC - Software Development Life Cycle
What is SDLC?
SDLC definition
SDLC, short for Software Development Life Cycle, is a tool that helps software development teams divide the work required to build an app into a set of predictable, structured stages.
What are the five stages of SDLC?
1. Planning and analysis
During this first stage of SDLC, stakeholders will decide which features they should include, who will use the software, how to test it, how feasible the timeline, budget, and requirements are, and other pre-development details.
2. Designing the architecture
Second, the team will begin designing the architecture. This is a high-level design to give everyone an idea of how the finished app should look.
3. Development
Next is development. The team builds upon the architecture until an app gradually takes shape. During this stage, the app concept becomes a reality.
4. Testing
Once the software has been built, the next stage of SDLC is testing. This can be done internally or externally. The goal is to ensure that there are as few issues for end-users as possible before launch.
5. Maintenance
After launch, the development team will shift into maintenance mode. This period will involve adding/removing features, fixing bugs, keeping up with compatibility requirements, and responding to user feedback.
What are the seven phases of SDLC?
Planning stage
The first phase of the SDLC is the planning stage. Here, developers begin planning what the software will look like, how it will work, which features are required and which aren't, the design language, and more.
Feasibility or requirements of analysis stage
Next, the developers and key stakeholders comb through the plans. Budgets are confirmed, the plans are tweaked accordingly, and the tools and methods necessary to execute the plans are described.
Design and prototyping stage
During the third phase of SDLC, the team designs and prototypes the software. A non-functioning version of the app (possibly just a visual representation) is created so that the team can develop a visual understanding of the app.
Software development stage
With the prototype in hand, the developers are ready to begin development. This is where the vision becomes a workable app.
Software testing stage
Once the app is completed, it's time to test it. The team and outside testers go through the app and look for bugs, errors, and issues that need to be remedied before launching to general users.
Implementation and integration
After all the features and frameworks have been created, they'll be brought together into the finalized app. Integration with external services and APIs will also happen during this phase of SDLC.
Operations and maintenance stage
Finally, post-launch, the development team will shift into a maintenance phase. This long-term segment of SDLC involves maintaining the app throughout its lifespan for users.
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