Research about SDLC, discussing it's methodology, benefits and key stages. Comment on activities you have conducted during your website development that correlates with the stages

In the software industry, SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle, which is the process of analyzing, developing, and testing any piece of software that is developed. As a result of SDLC, the core processes of software development are organized so that the final outcome is of the highest quality for the given situation (a combination of the budget available, the business cases for the software, the development time limitations, and the level of professionalism of the software architects and engineers involved).

Here's a graphical representation of the SDLC process stages:

(Prokopiško, 2022)

•  Planning:

In the Planning phase, project leaders evaluate the terms of the project. This includes calculating labour and material costs, creating a timetable with target goals, and creating the project’s teams and leadership structure.

Planning can also include feedback from stakeholders. Stakeholders are anyone who stands to benefit from the application. For example, try to get feedback from potential customers, developers, subject matter experts, and sales reps.

Planning should clearly define the scope and purpose of the application. Then, it plots the course and provisions the team to effectively create the software. It also sets boundaries to help keep the project from expanding or shifting from its original purpose.

•  Requirement analysis:

The analysis step entails compiling all the relevant information needed for a new system and developing the initial prototype concepts.

Developers may:

1. Define any system requirements for the prototype.
2. Consider alternatives to the current prototypes.
3. Determine end-user demands by doing research and analysis.

Additionally, a software requirement specification, or SRS document, is frequently produced by developers. This details every need for the system they want to develop, including software, hardware, and network requirements. This will stop them from using up too many funds or resources while working alongside other development teams. (Preston, 2022)

• Design:

Before moving on to the primary development stage, the design stage is required.

The specifics of the application's overall operation and some particular features, including its:

1. interfaces for use
2. Device interfaces
3. Wi-Fi and other network needs
4. Databases

The SRS document they produced will normally be transformed into a more logical structure that may then be implemented in a computer language. Plans for operations, training, and maintenance will all be created so that moving forward, developers will be aware of what to do at each point of the cycle. Development managers will create a design document after everything is finished, which will be used as a guide throughout the SDLC's subsequent stages. (Preston, 2022)

• Implementation:

The stage of development is when programmers actually construct the application's code in accordance with the preceding design papers and laid-out specifications. SAST tools, also known as static application security testing, are useful in this situation. According to the design document's specifications, the product programme code is created. The actual development process ought to be rather simple given the extensive planning and outlining that has already taken place.

Developers will use various tools, including compilers, debuggers, and interpreters, and adhere to any coding standards established by the business.

Standard programming languages include C++, PHP, and others. Depending on the needs and specifications of the project, developers will decide which programming language to employ. (Preston, 2022)

 

(Adam, 2022)

• Testing and Integration:

Software development is not the end. Testing is now required to ensure that there are no defects and that the end-user experience won't suffer at any time. Developers thoroughly review their software throughout the testing phase, identifying any flaws or defects that need to be recorded, corrected, and then retested.It's crucial that the final version of the programme adheres to the quality requirements outlined in the SRS document. Testing may be a relatively quick step or take a very long time, depending on the expertise of the developers, the complexity of the programme, and the needs for the end-user. The full software design will be completed after testing. Developers will work to include various modules or designs into the main source code, frequently using training environments to find further problems or flaws. The information system will finally be built and incorporated into its surroundings. The programme is technically ready for sale after clearing this stage and may be made available to any end customers. (Preston, 2022)

• Maintenance:

When software is sold on the market, the SDLC is not over. The time has come for developers to enter maintenance mode and start performing any tasks needed to address concerns reported by end users. Developers are also in charge of making any modifications that the programme may require after it has been deployed. This might involve fixing remaining flaws that could not be fixed before to launch or resolving brand-new problems that emerge as a result of customer complaints. In comparison to smaller systems, larger systems could need more extensive maintenance phases. (Preston, 2022)

References

Prokopiško, A., 2022. Software development life-cycle (SDLC). [online] Medium. Available at: <https://medium.com/@artjoms/software-development-life-cycle-sdlc-6155dbfe3cbc> [Accessed 20 August 2022].

Adam, J., 2022. What is a software development life cycle (SDLC). [online] K&C. Available at: <https://kruschecompany.com/what-is-a-software-development-life-cycle/> [Accessed 6 September 2022].

Preston, M., 2022. 7 Phases of the System Development Life Cycle Guide. [online] Clouddefense.ai. Available at: <https://www.clouddefense.ai/blog/system-development-life-cycle> [Accessed 6 September 2022].