It is necessary for organizations that are operating in today’s high-technology environment to establish strong and flexible software systems in order to remain viable market players. This brings in the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), a systematic way of undertaking the development of software systems. But what exactly is SDLC, and why is it so crucial?
What Is System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a model used by software developers to plan, create, evaluate, and implement information systems. There is always a clear set of plans to follow about a course of action. Especially in the creation of software systems, to ensure that the development meets the users’ needs as well as being completed in time and with the correct funds allocated. SDLC is sometimes depicted in the form of a series of phases or stages through which a software project has to go from initiation to its completion.
Phases of the System Development Life Cycle
The SDLC is made up of several different stages, and these stages in turn consist of various activities and products. While the exact number of phases can vary depending on the methodology, the traditional SDLC model consists of seven key stages:
Planning
The planning phase is the first step in the SDLC. In this stage there is setting of project specifications and generation of preliminary of the overall plan. Some of the antecedent activities are goal clarification on the project and its assessment of viability and resource availability.
Systems Analysis
This phase involves user and system requirements as well as more concrete requirements of the system. The analysts make effort to discuss with stakeholders to ensure that they identify the requirements and design a system. This phase also defines the potential issues and problems.
Systems Design
The design phase requires bringing together all the collected requirements and converting them into a detailed system design. This involves development of architectural drawings, database, user interface and system interface. The design phase gives developers direction and a plan to complete when they are implementing.
Development
The development phase is the phase where the actual coding and implementation of the system come into play. Developers get into writing the code, designing the databases and coming up with ways of integrating the different and interrelated systems as dictated by the design.
Testing
After the development, the system passes through a series of tests to check for bugs or any other problems. This phase also acts as a confirmation phase. It is confirmed whether or not the requirements set at the start are met.
Implementation
The implementation phase includes the act of launching the system in the actual operating or testing environment. It involves installing software, hardware and training of end-users to be able to perform their tasks. The system goes live at this phase. It is available to use for the parties at this phase.
Maintenance
The final step is the maintenance phase once the system is out for use in the organization. In this phase, fixes, and changes on the problem areas to make the system run properly for a longer time. You can also add other features for the users in this phase.
Importance of the System Development Life Cycle
The application of SDLC plays a critical role in making sure the completion of software development projects. Adopting these 7 phases will ensure that organizations reduce the risky aspects, enhance resource usage while delivering the business objectives systems. The SDLC also acts as a guide for developers and stakeholders to avoid confusion and delays when working on a project.
Conclusion
The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is an effective model that must be followed to understand the user requirements and business objectives in software system development. Understanding the phases of the SDLC can help organizations attain positive results in their projects. SDLC can help them sustain their competitive position in the dynamic technology world.
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