What are the 7 Stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
Software development has never been a piece of cake. Whether you are a beginner or any professional, it will always have something to challenge you. That is why a fundamental study on the core functioning known as the “Life Cycle” is mandatory. When we say core functioning, we mean software development stages. Today’s article is a guide on the top 7 stages of software development.
From a beginner’s perspective, you should be aware of these 7 phases of software development. Similarly, if you are a pro, you must be sufficiently skilled in understanding all these 7 phases. Therefore, the article is a guide to both categories, showing everything, they need to know about the 7 stages of the software development life cycle.
What is Software Development Life Cycle?
The software development life cycle is popularly abbreviated as SDLC. One can easily understand that it explains the process of developing a system for businesses. Therefore, it is an essential part of the project management model. SDLC is all about stages and thus defines various processes involved in developing business software. Now, the software can be readymade solutions, or it can be a tailor-made solution.
In professionals’ terminology, SDLC is a process that begins with a small idea and converts into a project. Then it is deployed, and the final step is the upgradation or maintaining of the software. Now that we have acquired enough knowledge about the software development life cycle (SDLC) let’s discuss its crucial stages.
7 Phases of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Every other technical advancement begins with some process or stages. Developing software also has multiple phases, which are further divided among the domain experts. So, let’s find out which are the prominent stages of software development.
- Ideation or Planning
Before it begins, any development company will suggest you spare enough time to grab knowledge of your software development. As the software development company, you’re planning or your business consent will matter. The team of developers will then execute a plan to understand the nuances of the project. After the study, a clear picture of your dream project will be delivered.
- Analysis
When we speak of nuances, we mean each minute associated thing will be precisely analyzed. It will help in acquiring an initial prototyping concept. It may include software attributes, associated hardware, networks or bandwidth requirements, a panel of engineers to deploy, etc. It will help to estimate the funds to spend and avoid overflowing funds.
- Design Stage
Now comes the deployment of domain experts stage by stage. While designing any software, the best designers and UI & UX experts are asked to share their thoughts. It is the most crucial phase of the software development life cycle. The designers will share a specimen of the software, with details of the user interface, system interface, network requirements, and database. Once approved, the entire design plan will be circulated to the respective domain experts.
- Development
So, this is the core functioning of software development. Writing the codes in the specified programming language and on a specific framework begins here. The developer keeps the design prototype in mind and then starts developing the software per the specified requirements. An approach called Static Application Security Test (SAST) is implemented for the sustainable development of applications or software.
- Testing the Software
After completing the development stage, another crucial stage comes is Testing. Software development companies usually conduct two types of testing, i.e., Manual and Automation. It ensures that the developed software has no bugs, errors, lagging, etc. Issues. The process is a quality check of the previously conducted stages.
- Deployment
Once the testing and other crucial checks are completed, the team shows a green flag to deploy the software or application. Usually, the step belongs to app development. Deploying the app on the respective platform (Play Store or App Store). Simultaneously, the apps are deployed by following the respective guidelines.
- Maintenance or Tech Support
Last but not least is maintenance or technical Support. Some companies offer their clients a yearly or half-yearly, or quarterly website or software or application care and tech support. Maintenance plans include managing servers, checking the database and regular backups of the database. Similarly, technical Support from the technical team is also initiated as a post-sales service. All these are the 7 stages of the software development cycle.
Conclusion:
So, this was the account of 7 phases of SDLC for both beginners & professionals. Hopefully, this has helped you understand the software development process. But there are a few drawbacks, like which company will be the best in following the procedure, domain expertise, and client ratings & reviews. All these can directly or indirectly impact your software development.
