Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic approach followed by software development teams to design, develop, test, release, and maintain software applications. It provides a structured framework that ensures the successful completion of software projects while meeting client requirements and quality standards. SDLC consists of six essential steps:
Requirements Gathering, Design, Development/Coding, Testing, Release/Deploy and Maintenance.

1. Requirements Gathering : The first step in SDLC is gathering requirements. The Product Owner or a representative from the development team collects the client’s requirements. These requirements are then documented in a Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document. To ensure clarity and effectiveness, the business team uses SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Testable) when writing the SRS document. This step sets the foundation for the entire development process.
2. Design : Once the requirements are gathered, the design phase begins. Designers create a prototype of the software based on the SRS document. This prototype helps visualize the overall structure, layout, and user interface of the software. Simultaneously, the Software Design Specification (SDS) document is created, which outlines the technical details and architecture of the software.
3. Development/Coding : In the development phase, developers use the SRS and SDS documents as references to build the software. They write the code, create modules, and integrate different components to develop a fully functional software application. The development process takes place in various software environments, including development, QA/Test, staging, and production, each serving specific purposes and involving different team members.
4. Testing : Testing plays a crucial role in SDLC to ensure the quality and reliability of the software. Testers conduct various tests to identify any functional or performance issues. In the QA environment, functional testers examine the software’s functionalities across different layers such as the user interface (UI), database (DB), and application programming interface (API). Meanwhile, performance testers focus on evaluating the non-functional aspects of the application, such as its speed, scalability, and stability. If any discrepancies or bugs are found during testing, testers document them in bug reports for further analysis and resolution.
5. Release/Deploy : Once the software has undergone rigorous testing and any identified issues have been resolved, it is ready for release. Developers, testers, and the business team collaborate to release the application into the production environment. End-users can then access and utilize the software for their intended purposes. This phase marks the culmination of the development process and the beginning of the software’s operational life.
6. Maintenance : After the software is released, the maintenance phase begins. During this phase, end-users may encounter bugs or provide feedback about the application’s performance. Developers address these issues by making necessary fixes and enhancements. This process, known as a hotfix, ensures that the software remains functional, secure, and up-to-date. Moreover, if new requirements emerge during the maintenance phase, the SDLC starts anew, as it is a continuous cycle of improvement and evolution.

SDLC is a systematic and structured approach that guides the development, testing, release, and maintenance of software applications. It ensures that client requirements are met, software is thoroughly tested, and any issues are promptly addressed. By following the SDLC, development teams can deliver high-quality software products that align with user expectations and industry standards.