SDLC or software development life-cycle is useful for transforming newly developed software into the operational one. SDLC or software development life cycle contributes to being an integrative and multistep process which is structured in a methodical way. The process is used for modelling as well as offering a framework for the non-technical and technical activities for the delivery of quality software. Which will exceed or accomplish the expectations of the business. It is also useful in managing the progression of decision making.
There are seven stages of software development life cycle which come with their own activities. Such phases offer a roadmap about what should be done for the delivery and completion of the software.
Planning
It is recognized to be the very first phase of the software development life cycle. In this stage, it is determined if a new software exists or not, for bringing an improvement in the operations of the business. As the requirements are determined, you need to find the right solutions.
Resources and information are collected at this stage for providing support for the requirement of new software or improving the existing one. According to the information which is necessary for the support, it is a prerequisite to devise and submit the solutions. It is recommended to take a look at the latest trends of a software testing company to receive the latest resources and information for accomplishing the requirements.
Software Analysis and Requirements
In this stage, the different proposed solutions are known to be examined until you find the best one, which matches the overall objectives and strategies of the business. Planning is still conducted during this stage but on a deeper analytical way. Here, the issues and the associated software’s are found to be analyzed for determining different functional requirements for the solution.
These are the requirements which should be met by the new software for resolving the issue and aligning with the different corporate strategies. Here, a timeline is selected, people who will be responsible for different individual parts will be determined. Besides this, strategies will be devised for accomplishing the requirements of the business.
Software Design
In this phase, it is a prerequisite to creating a flow chart. This flow chart is useful in ensuring that the processes of the business are organized properly. This phase is crucial for the development of high quality of software. Besides this, the prototype is developed in this stage. Here, the prototype is developed continuously until it accomplishes the requirements of the targeted audience and the end-user is completely satisfied. It is regarded as the final step of the software development stage where the final product is developed.
Integration and Testing
In this particular stage, testers with an ample experience need to test the software or software against any requirements. The ultimate objective is identifying any defects within a specific software and ensuring that it is performing, according to the documented requirements. This phase is vital in developing a high-end product. This stage is vital for the delivery of the product. It is because the issues and defects which are present in the software are sent back to the development stage for a solution. There are plethoras of ways in which the tester can perform testing. They can make use of exploratory testing or test scripts.
Use of test scripts is beneficial in running a plethora of predetermined tests for ensuring that the product is in compliance with the requirements. Exploratory testing is known to be experience-based. Here, the tester will be testing the new software while exploring the features, uses, and capabilities by the operating of new software. The tester will be having the software on the basis of an experience only. In addition to this, it plays an integral role in accomplishing the requirements of the clients.
Implementation
It contributes to being the stage in which the new software is known to be implemented in the normal operations of the business. For the installation of new software or software, the code needs to be written and the data or files are moved to new software. To prevent the risks of interruptions in the operations of the business during the installation, this stage is conducted at the non-peak business hours. This also reduces the potential risks of errors during transfer or integration. The risks of occurrence of errors are more during those peak hours and it might reduce the revenue and productivity of the business.
Operations and Maintenance
The last stage of the software development life cycle involves regular maintenance and pushing out the mandatory updates. Here, the end-user will be capable of fine-tuning the software for suiting the future requirements. It will be capable of installing new updates remotely. In addition to this, it is useful in customizing the product for accomplishing the requirements of the software continuously. It also helps in rectifying the future issues and errors which might occur during the development. Ongoing maintenance is considered to be an integral part of new software.
It is possible to use Software development cycle in a plethora of ways. Though such models are known to be different from one another, they have their own set of pros and cons. However, all of them are known to use the same steps for the removal of errors and bugs from the software. The most popular SDLC models are agile models and prototype models.
Adherence and compliance to the software development cycle are essential for ensuring the success of software or project which is required for accomplishing a requirement or solving an issue. The software development cycle is recognized to be a series of seven stages which are defined in the life-cycle of the software development.
While it is possible to implement the SDLC with fewer models, the most worth mentioning among them are the prototype models and the agile models. Both of them depend on the client’s feedback during the cycle. It is useful to the company in accomplishing the requirements of the customer in a timely and effective manner.
