Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Software development life cycle (SDLC) is a structured process that

is used to design, develop, and test good-quality software. SDLC, or
software development life cycle, is a methodology that defines the entire
procedure of software development step-by-step. The goal of the SDLC life
cycle model is to deliver high-quality, maintainable software that meets the
user's requirements. SDLC in software engineering models outlines the plan
for each stage so that each stage of the software development model can
perform its task efficiently to deliver the software at a low cost within a given
time frame that meets user’s requirements. In this article we will see
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in detail.

What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

SDLC is a process followed for software building within a software

organization. SDLC consists of a precise plan that describes how to
develop, maintain, replace, and enhance specific software. The life cycle
defines a method for improving the quality of software and the all-around
development process.
Stages of the Software Development Life Cycle
SDLC specifies the task(s) to be performed at various stages by a
software engineer or developer. It ensures that the end product is able to
meet the customer's expectations and fits within the overall budget. Hence,
it's vital for a software developer to have prior knowledge of this software
development process. SDLC is a collection of these six stages, and the stages
of SDLC are as follows:

The SDLC Model involves six phases or stages while developing any
software.

Stage-1: Planning and Requirement Analysis

Planning is a crucial step in everything, just as in software
development. In this same stage, requirement analysis is also performed by
the developers of the organization. This is attained from customer inputs, and
sales department/market surveys.
The information from this analysis forms the building blocks of a basic
project. The quality of the project is a result of planning. Thus, in this stage,
the basic project is designed with all the available information.
Stage-2: Defining Requirements
In this stage, all the requirements for the target software are specified.
These requirements get approval from customers, market analysts, and
stakeholders. This is fulfilled by utilizing SRS (Software Requirement
Specification). This is a sort of document that specifies all those things that
need to be defined and created during the entire project cycle.
Stage-3: Designing Architecture
SRS is a reference for software designers to come up with the best
architecture for the software. Hence, with the requirements defined in SRS,
multiple designs for the product architecture are present in the Design
Document Specification (DDS). This DDS is assessed by market analysts and
stakeholders. After evaluating all the possible factors, the most practical and
logical design is chosen for development.

Stage-4: Developing Product

At this stage, the fundamental development of the product starts. For
this, developers use a specific programming code as per the design in the
DDS. Hence, it is important for the coders to follow the protocols set by the
association. Conventional programming tools like compilers, interpreters,
debuggers, etc. are also put into use at this stage. Some popular languages
like C/C++, Python, Java, etc. are put into use as per the software regulations.
Stage-5: Product Testing and Integration
After the development of the product, testing of the software is
necessary to ensure its smooth execution. Although, minimal testing is
conducted at every stage of SDLC. Therefore, at this stage, all the probable
flaws are tracked, fixed, and retested. This ensures that the product confronts
the quality requirements of SRS.

Stage-6: Deployment and Maintenance of Products

After detailed testing, the conclusive product is released in phases as
per the organization’s strategy. Then it is tested in a real industrial
environment. It is important to ensure its smooth performance. If it performs
well, the organization sends out the product as a whole. After retrieving
beneficial feedback, the company releases it as it is or with auxiliary
improvements to make it further helpful for the customers. However, this
alone is not enough. Therefore, along with the deployment, the product's
supervision.
Software Development Life Cycle Models
To this day, we have more than 50 recognized SDLC models in use.
But none of them is perfect, and each has its own advantages and
disadvantages.
Here, we have listed the top five most popular SDLC models:
1. Waterfall Model
It is the fundamental model of the software development life cycle. This is a
very simple model. The waterfall model is not in practice anymore, but it is
the basis for all other SDLC models. Because of its simple structure, the
waterfall model is easier to use and provides a tangible output. In the
waterfall model, once a phase seems to be completed, it cannot be changed,
and due to this less flexible nature, the waterfall model is not in practice
anymore.
2. Agile Model
The agile model in SDLC was mainly designed to adapt to changing requests
quickly. The main goal of the agile model is to facilitate quick project
completion. The agile model refers to a group of development processes.
These processes have some similar characteristics but also possess certain
subtle differences among themselves.
3. Iterative Model
In the iterative model, each cycle results in a semi-developed but deployable
version; with each cycle, some requirements are added to the software, and
the final cycle results in the software with the complete requirement
specification.
4. Spiral Model
The spiral model in SDLC is one of the most crucial SDLC models that
provides support for risk handling. It has various spirals in its diagrammatic
representation; the number of spirals depends upon the type of project.
Each loop in the spiral structure indicates the phases of the spiral model.
5. V-Shaped Model
The V-shaped model is executed in a sequential manner in V-shape. Each
stage or phase of this model is integrated with a testing phase. After every
development phase, a testing phase is associated with it, and the next
phase will start once the previous phase is completed, i.e., development &
testing. It is also known as the verification or validation model.
6. Big Bang Model
The Big Bang model in SDLC is a term used to describe an informal and
unstructured approach to software development, where there is no specific
planning, documentation, or well-defined phases.

How does SDLC Address Security?

A frequent issue in software development is the delay of security-
related tasks until the testing phase, which occurs late in the software
development life cycle (SDLC) and occurs after the majority of crucial
design and implementation has been finished. During the testing phase,
security checks may be minimal and restricted to scanning and penetration
testing, which may fail to identify more complicated security flaws.
Security issue can be address in SDLC by following DevOps. Security is
integrated throughout the whole SDLC, from build to production, through
the use of DevSecOps. Everyone involved in the DevOps value chain have
responsibility for security under DevSecOps.

Real Life Example of SDLC

Developing a banking application using SDLC:
• Planning and Analysis: During this stage, business stakeholders'
requirements about the functionality and features of banking
application will be gathered by program managers and business
analysts. Detailed SRS (Software Requirement Specification)
documentation will be produced by them. Together with business
stakeholders, business analysts will analyse and approve the SRS
document.
• Design: Developers will receive SRS documentation. Developers
will read over the documentation and comprehend the
specifications. Web pages will be designed by designers. High
level system architecture will be prepared by developers.
 • Development: During this stage, developers will code. They will
create the web pages and APIs needed to put the feature into
practice.
• Testing: Comprehensive functional testing will be carried out. They
will guarantee that the banking platform is glitch-free and
operating properly.
• Deployment and Maintenance: The code will be made available to
customers and deployed. Following this deployment, the customer
can access the online banking. The same methodology will be used
to create any additional features.

How to Choose an SDLC Model?

Choosing the right SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) model is
essential for project success. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Project Requirements:
• Clear Requirements: Use Waterfall or V-Model if
requirements are well-defined and unlikely to change.
• Changing Requirements: Use Agile or Iterative models if
requirements are unclear or likely to evolve.
2. Project Size and Complexity:
• Small Projects: Use Waterfall or RAD for small, simple
projects.
• Large Projects: Use Agile, Spiral, or DevOps for large,
complex projects that need flexibility.
3. Team Expertise:
• Experienced Teams: Use Agile or Scrum if the team is
familiar with iterative development.
• Less Experienced Teams: Use Waterfall or V-Model for
teams needing structured guidance.
4. Client Involvement:
• Frequent Client Feedback: Use Agile, Scrum, or RAD if
regular client interaction is needed.
• Minimal Client Involvement: Use Waterfall or V-Model if
client involvement is low after initial planning.
 5. Time and Budget Constraints:
• Fixed Time and Budget: Use Waterfall or V-Model if you
have strict time and budget limits.
• Flexible Time and Budget: Use Agile or Spiral if you can
adjust time and budget as needed.
6. Risk Management:
• High-Risk Projects: Use Spiral for projects with
significant risks and uncertainties.
• Low-Risk Projects: Use Waterfall for projects with
minimal risks.
7. Product Release Timeline:
• Quick Release Needed: Use Agile or RAD to deliver
products quickly.
• Longer Development Time: Use Waterfall or V-
Model for projects with no urgent deadlines.
8. Maintenance and Support:
• Long-Term Maintenance: Use Agile or DevOps for
projects needing continuous updates and support.
• Minimal Maintenance: Use Waterfall or V-Model if little
future maintenance is expected.
9. Stakeholder Expectations:
• High Stakeholder Engagement: Use Agile or Scrum if
stakeholders want ongoing involvement.
• Low Stakeholder Engagement: Use Waterfall or V-
Model if stakeholders prefer involvement only at major
milestones.
Note:
• Waterfall: Best for clear, stable projects with minimal changes.
• V-Model: Good for projects with clear requirements and a strong
focus on testing.
• Agile/Scrum: Ideal for projects with changing requirements and
frequent client interaction.
• Spiral: Suitable for high-risk projects with evolving requirements.
• RAD: Useful for projects needing rapid development.
• DevOps: Best for continuous integration and ongoing support
Conclusion
In conclusion, we now know that the Software Development Life Cycle
(SDLC) in software engineering is an important framework for the better
and more structured development of optimized software programs. In a
world full of rapid evolution in technology, SDLC phases plays a crucial role
in enabling some good and innovative solutions for helping users and
organizations. Also, it's better to adapt SDLC principles to achieve software
development goals effectively.