Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC) –

Software Engineering
The Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC) is a process used in software engineering to manage the
development of software programs. The PDLC is similar to the Software Development Life Cycle
(SDLC) but is applied at a higher level, to manage the development of multiple software programs or
projects. This article focuses on discussing PDLC in detail.

What is PDLC?

The PDLC is an iterative process that allows for feedback and adjustments to be made at each phase,
to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the stakeholders and is of high quality.

Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC) is a systematic way of developing quality software.

It provides an organized plan for breaking down the task of program development into manageable
chunks, each of which must be completed before moving on to the next phase.

Phases of PDLC

Planning: In this phase, the goals and objectives of the program are defined, and a plan is developed
to achieve them. This includes identifying the resources required and determining the budget and
schedule for the program.

Analysis: In this phase, the requirements for the program are defined and analyzed. This includes
identifying the stakeholders, their needs and expectations, and determining the functional and non-
functional requirements for the program.

Design: In this phase, the program’s architecture and design are developed. This includes creating a
detailed design of the program’s components and interfaces, as well as determining how the
program will be tested and deployed.

Implementation: In this phase, the program is developed and coded. This includes writing the
program’s source code and creating any necessary documentation.

Testing: In this phase, the program is tested to ensure that it meets the requirements and is free of
defects.

Deployment: In this phase, the program is deployed and made available to users.

Maintenance: After the deployment, the program is maintained by fixing any bugs or errors that are
found and updating the program to meet changing requirements.

Steps in PDLC

The program development process is divided into the steps discussed below:
1. Defining the Problem

The first step is to define the problem. In major software projects, this is a job for system analyst,
who provides the results of their work to programmers in the form of a program specification. The
program specification defines the data used in program, the processing that should take place while
finding a solution, the format of the output and the user interface.

2. Designing the Program

Program design starts by focusing on the main goal that the program is trying to achieve and then
breaking the program into manageable components, each of which contributes to this goal. This
approach of program design is called top-bottom program design or modular programming. The first
step involve identifying main routine, which is the one of program’s major activity. From that point,
programmers try to divide the various components of the main routine into smaller parts called
modules. For each module, programmer draws a conceptual plan using an appropriate program
design tool to visualize how the module will do its assign job. Program Design Tools: The various
program design tools are described below:

Structure Charts: A structure chart, also called Hierarchy chart, show top-down design of program.
Each box in the structure chart indicates a task that program must accomplish. The Top module,
called the Main module or Control module. For example:Structure Chart

Algorithms: An algorithm is a step-by-step description of how to arrive at a solution in the most

easiest way. Algorith8ms are not restricted to computer world only. In fact, we use them in everyday
life.

Flowcharts: A flowchart is a diagram that shows the logic of the program. For example:Flowchart

Decision tables: A Decision table is a special kind of table, which is divided into four parts by a pair of
horizontal and vertical lines.

Pseudocode: A pseudocode is another tool to describe the way to arrive at a solution. They are
different from algorithm by the fact that they are expressed in program language like constructs.

3. Coding the Program

Coding the program means translating an algorithm into specific programming language. The
technique of programming using only well defined control structures is known as Structured
programming. Programmer must follow the language rules, violation of any rule causes error. These
errors must be eliminated before going to the next step.

4. Testing and Debugging the Program

After removal of syntax errors, the program will execute. However, the output of the program may
not be correct. This is because of logical error in the program. A logical error is a mistake that the
programmer made while designing the solution to a problem. So the programmer must find and
correct logical errors by carefully examining the program output using Test data. Syntax error and
Logical error are collectively known as Bugs. The process of identifying errors and eliminating them is
known as Debugging.

5. Documenting the Program

After testing, the software project is almost complete. The structure charts, pseudocodes, flowcharts
and decision tables developed during the design phase become documentation for others who are
associated with the software project. This phase ends by writing a manual that provides an overview
of the program’s functionality, tutorials for the beginner, in-depth explanations of major program
features, reference documentation of all program commands and a thorough description of the error
messages generated by the program.

6. Deploying and Maintaining the Program

In the final phase, the program is deployed (installed) at the user’s site. Here also, the program is
kept under watch till the user gives a green signal to it. Even after the software is completed, it needs
to be maintained and evaluated regularly. In software maintenance, the programming team fixes
program errors and updates the software.

Benefits of PDLC

Provides a structured approach: PDLC provides a structured approach to developing software, which
helps to ensure that the program is developed in a logical and organized way.

Facilitates communication: PDLC helps to facilitate communication between different stakeholders,

such as developers, project managers, and customers.

Identifies and manages risks: PDLC helps to identify and manage potential risks during the
development of the program, allowing for proactive measures to be taken to mitigate them.

Improves quality: PDLC helps to improve the quality of the final product by providing a systematic
approach to testing and quality assurance.

Increases efficiency: By following a PDLC, the development process becomes more efficient as it
allows for better planning and organization.

Limitations of PDLC

Can be time-consuming: Following a strict PDLC can be time-consuming, and may delay the
development of the program.
Can be inflexible: The rigid structure of PDLC may not be suitable for all types of software
development projects, and may limit the ability to incorporate changes or new ideas.

Can be costly: Implementing a PDLC may require additional resources and budget, which can be
costly for organizations.

Can be complex: PDLC can be complex, and may require a certain level of expertise and knowledge to
implement effectively.

May not be suitable for smaller projects: PDLC may not be suitable for smaller projects as it can be an
overkill and would not be cost-effective.

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