Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
1. Introduction
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process used by
software developers and organizations to plan, design, build, test, deploy, and
maintain software systems.
It ensures the quality, efficiency, and reliability of software while meeting customer
requirements.
2. Objectives of SDLC
To deliver high-quality software that meets customer expectations.
To reduce development costs and risks.
To ensure timely delivery.
To provide a systematic and structured approach to software development
3. SDLC Phases
The SDLC typically consists of 7 main phases:
Phase 1 — Requirement Analysis
Understand client needs and expectations.
Gather functional and non-functional requirements.
Create documents like SRS (Software Requirement Specification).
Tools: JIRA, Confluence, Google Doc
Phase 2 — System Design
Create architecture and blueprints for the software.
Prepare data flow diagrams (DFD), ER diagrams, wireframes, and UML
diagrams.
Decide technologies, frameworks, and system components.
Phase 3 — Development (Coding)
Developers write the code based on the design.
Follow coding standards and guidelines.
Programming languages used: Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, etc.
Tools: Visual Studio, Eclipse, IntelliJ, GitHub
Phase 4 — Testing
Test the software to identify and fix bugs.
Ensure the system works as expected.
Types of Testing:
Unit Testing
Integration Testing
System Testing
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Tools: Selenium, JUnit, Postman, JMeter.
Phase 5 — Deployment
Release the software to the production environment.
Methods:
Manual Deployment
Automated Deployment (CI/CD)
Tools: Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS.
Phase 6 — Maintenance
Monitor software after release.
Fix bugs, release patches, and enhancements.
Continuous updates based on customer feedback.
Phase 7 — Evaluation & Feedback
Review performance, gather feedback, and analyze results.
Use this information to improve future development.
4. SDLC Models
Different organizations follow different SDLC models based on project needs:
Model Description Best For
Small projects with clear
Waterfall Linear and sequential process
requirements
Model Description Best For
Testing is planned in parallel with
V-Model Projects needing strict validation
development
Projects requiring frequent
Iterative Software built in repeated cycles
revisions
Spiral Focuses on risk analysis High-risk, large projects
Startups & fast-changing
Agile Flexible, iterative, customer-focused
requirements
Continuous delivery and
DevOps Combines development + operations
automation
5. Advantages of SDLC
Structured and systematic process.
Ensures high-quality software.
Reduces risks and errors.
Better project tracking and cost estimation.
Helps teams work collaboratively.
6. Disadvantages of SDLC
Time-consuming if requirements change frequently.
Some models (e.g., Waterfall) lack flexibility.
High initial documentation effort.
Can be costly for small-scale projects.
7. Real-Life Example
Example: Developing a Banking Mobile App
Requirement Analysis → Customer wants balance check, fund transfer, UPI.
Design → Prepare UI/UX wireframes and architecture.
Development → Write code using Java + Spring Boot.
Testing → Check security, performance, and integration.
Deployment → Release app on Google Play & App Store.
Maintenance → Fix bugs, add new features.
8. Summary
SDLC is a roadmap for software development.
It covers planning → building → testing → deploying → maintaining.
Choosing the right SDLC model depends on project size, complexity, and client
needs.
Proper SDLC implementation ensures high-quality, cost-effective, and timely
software delivery.
