Starsoft
Successful software development depends on two criteria; the methodology(model approach)and the life cycle employed. The kind of methodology that software is built upon will determine the life cycle that it will undergo. However, regardless of what lifecycle a software goes through, the stages of the lifecycle are usually built upon a similar structure.
So, in this article, we will talk about the software development lifecycle and the stages that the cycle is composed of.
What is software development lifecycle?
Software development lifecycle or SDLC Is the structural framework that describes how a software matures, i.e., from inception to retirement.
SDLC is more like a layout plan that sets software development in motion until the end. Like the layout plan of a building, it contains all the requirements, processes, and resources needed to ultimately build software from scratch until it gets to the completed/ maintenance stage.
Software development lifecycle is composed of six (6) stages. To complete the software development, the stages must be followed in order, and none must be omitted or abandoned.
Below, we will discuss the six stages of the software development lifecycle and their relevance to software development.
The stages of software development lifecycle
The six (6) stages of software development include:
- Requirement, gathering, and analysis.
- Design
- Implementation or coding
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
Requirement, gathering, and analysis
This is the first stage of SDLC, where all the requirements and resources needed for the software development are gathered and sorted out.
At this stage, the clients and key stakeholders for the project meet with the project manager and business analyst (from the software development team). The clients discuss everything they want in the software, what it should do, the effects, and its intended purpose. Any misconceptions or misunderstanding regarding the project is resolved and clarified in the meeting.
The business analysts analyze the project, administrative costs, problems, errors, and feasibility.
Every project comment is recorded in the software requirement specification (SRS) document. Anything in the document should be discussed and approved in the meeting, with no unapproved addition or subtraction.
Design
Once all the project requirements are gathered, analyzed, and documented appropriately, the developers create a design for the software.
This design is like a storyboard and would encompass all that the software should contain as documented; the structure, interface, and even the platforms that the software will run on.
The design must be error-free, as any mistakes would corrupt the rest of the stages of the software development.
Implementation and coding
After complete drafting of the software’s design, the next step is to implement the design. The designed software is implemented and coded to create a software prototype. The prototype would show what the software would look like according to the invention, so if the plan is substandard, it will reflect on the prototype.
Testing
The next stage that comes after implementation is the testing stage. This stage is where the software prototype is tested by the development team.
This stage aims to check if the prototype works as it should and if it meets all the documented requirements. Any errors or malfunctions should be resolved and taken care of before moving into the next stage.
Deployment
This stage is where the software is launched for public use (the target audience). This is one of the most critical stages because all the efforts and time put into the software development would be tested by the users.
Although it may seem like this is the end of this project, no, this is just the beginning. The response or feedback gotten from the users would need to be addressed and attended to by the development team.
Maintenance
This stage is where the concerns of the users regarding the software are addressed. This is the longest stage of software development lifecycle and can go on for years. This is because the software needs to be updated regularly in correspondence to users’ feedback, needs, and advancements in technological development.
As we mentioned earlier, the successful development of software also depends on the methodology( model approach) used. Below, we will be discussing the various SDLC models that there are.
SDLC Models
The various SDLC models there are include:
- Bigbang model
- Waterfall model
- Agile model
- V model
- Spiral model
Bigbang model
This model is only suitable for small projects because of the high level of uncertainty involved. There is no actual planning process. The requirements for the project are gathered, and the developer works on the project as he deems fit or understands. There is no form of testing involved.
Waterfall model
The waterfall model, also called the linear sequential model, is the first-ever software development model. It operates with the same structure as the software development lifecycle discussed above.
This model focuses on what the software would do for its users rather than what it needs to do. It is not so user-centered, unlike other models.
The waterfall model follows the creation of software, step by step. It doesn’t continue with the next phase of the SDLC if the previous stage is not complete. It needs concrete results from the last phase to be implemented into the next phase.
This makes the waterfall model free from errors, mistakes, and unnecessary ambiguities. However, this feature makes it much more time-consuming than other models.
Agile model
This model was developed as a counter-model for the shortcomings of the waterfall model. In 2001, 17 professional software developers came up with a less time-consuming and user-centered model.
The Agile model is used to build software based on the users’ experience. So, instead of waiting till the software is ready to be launched for use. After all, features have been added, the Agile model ensures that the software is launched after the first phase (a minimum viable product).
Then, other changes and corrections would be updated based on what the users need.
V model
This model is also called the verification and validation model. It is described as a more advanced form of the waterfall model.
It has the same phases as the waterfall model, and the only difference is that each phase is accompanied by its respective testing phases.
This makes it more time-consuming than the waterfall model, but it further reduces the risks of encountering bugs or errors in the software.
Spiral model
The spiral model is suited for complex projects. It has 4 phases which include; planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation phase.
The planning stage is where all necessary information and requirements are gathered.
The risk analysis phase is where the feasibility of the software is confirmed, and all risks associated with the software are analyzed.
The engineering phase involves the architectural design of the software to create what is required.
The evaluation phase is where the software is tested, and a new iteration commences.
The spiral model also takes a lot of time to complete a project and is usually expensive, but a high-quality result is guaranteed.