The Software Development Life Cycle

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The Software Development Life Cycle

• Requirements
• Planning
• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment
• Maintenance

The SDLC is the process of planning, creating, testing, and deploying software systems from start to finish.

It ensures efficiency, consistency, and quality in software projects.

SDLC Phases

Requirement Gathering & Analysis

• Understand what the client or end user wants.
• Talk to stakeholders.
• Define functional (features) and non-functional (performance, security) requirements.
• Create detailed requirement documents (BRD, SRS).

Outcome: Clear, agreed-upon list of what needs to be built.

Planning

• Define how the project will be done.
• Estimate time, cost, and resources.
• Create a project plan and timeline.
• Identify risks and how to manage them.

Outcome: A solid project plan with roles, budgets, and deadlines.

Design

• Architect the solution before building it.
• Create system architecture and UI/UX design.
• Define tech stack (languages, databases, APIs, etc.).
• Break down the system into modules.

Outcome: Design documents (HLD, LLD), wireframes, and mockups.

Development

• Build the actual software.
• Developers write code based on design documents.
• May be done in phases (sprints for Agile, milestones for Waterfall).
• Version control and peer review practices are followed.

Outcome: A working software product — or a minimum viable version of it.

Testing (STLC Begins Here)

• Make sure it works as intended and is bug-free.
• QA team tests the software (functional, integration, system, regression).
• Bugs are logged and fixed.
• This may include manual and automated testing.

Outcome: Verified and validated software ready for release.

Deployment

• Launch the software to users or clients.
• Release to production environment.
• May be a big bang release or gradual rollout.
• Monitor system behavior post-deployment.

Outcome: Live, working software in users' hands.

Maintenance & Support

• Keep things running smoothly after launch.
• Fix bugs, patch security issues.
• Handle user feedback and new feature requests.
• Performance monitoring and updates.

Outcome: A stable and evolving software product.

Modern Trends and the Future of SDLC

Continuous Delivery and Deployment

CI/CD pipelines automate build, test, and deployment processes for rapid releases.

Agile + DevOps

Blending Agile’s adaptability with DevOps' automation and delivery efficiency.

Cloud Computing and Microservices

Cloud platforms and microservices architectures facilitate scalable, resilient software.

AI and Automation

AI-driven tools support test automation, error detection, and predictive analytics.

Shift-Left Testing

Testing earlier in the SDLC to catch issues before they impact production.

Value Stream Management

Focuses on delivering value efficiently across the entire software delivery lifecycle.