Software Engieering

  

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Software Development is the development of software for distinct purposes. For software development, there is a specific programming language like Java, Python, C/C++, etc. The entire process of software development isn’t as simple as its definition, it’s a complicated process. Accordingly, it requires an efficient approach from the developer in the form of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Proper planning and execution are the key components of a successful software development process. The entire software development process includes 6 stages. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the common term to summarize these 6 stages.

SDLC specifies the task(s) to be performed at various stages by a software engineer/developer. It ensures that the end product is able to meet the customer’s expectations and fits in the overall budget. Hence, it’s vital for a software developer to have prior knowledge of this software development process.
These 6 stages are discussed below.

• Stage-1: Planning And Requirement Analysis:
  Planning is the crucial step in everything and so as in software development. In this same stage, requirement analysis is also performed by the developers of the organization. This is attained from the inputs from the customers, sales department/market surveys.

  The information from this analysis forms the building block of a basic project. The quality proof 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 the customers, market analysts, and stakeholders.
  This is fulfilled by utilizing SRS (Software Requirement Specification). This is a sort of a 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 out 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 the 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 Product:
  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. Because 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.