Over time, the way people use the SDLC has changed. It began with a simple method called Waterfall, where one step follows another in order. Technology and needs have changed. As a result, more flexible methods like Agile and DevOps came about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding the SDLC is really useful for everyone involved in making software. It’s not just the people who write the code. It helps everyone turn an idea into a usable software application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what is software development life cycle? In this guide, we’ll break down the process and various methods of using it. We’ll also show how to put the SDLC into action and handle any problems that might come up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s start with the core phases of the software development life cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Core phases of SDLC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe software development process consists of several key phases.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"SDLC-process\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPlanning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn this planning stage, a project team identifies the need for new software. Then, they outline a plan for the development team to create it. The plan includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Setting goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Defining scope<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allocating resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Software requirement specification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA company realizes its customer service team needs a more efficient way to track customer queries. They plan to develop a ticketing system that organizes and prioritizes customer support requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt’s time for the software design, architecture, and user interface. This phase turns the plan into a blueprint. It details how the software will work and what it will look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe team designs the ticketing system with features like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Ticket status updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Categorization of query types<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dashboard for tracking query resolution times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn this phase, programmers write the code based on the system design documents. This is where the software starts to take shape and become functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nProgrammers write the code for the ticketing system. They create functionalities based on the design document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe software development team rigorously tests the tool to find and fix any errors or bugs. This ensures the software is reliable and performs as intended. Sometimes, there are dedicated QA (quality assurance) testers. Other times, other engineers do software testing. Sometimes, the company finds beta testers<\/a> willing to try the product before it’s fully ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis stage is super helpful for gathering feedback<\/a> and refining the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBefore launch, the system is tested for bugs. For example, they might find that some tickets\u2019 status doesn\u2019t update correctly and fix this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deployment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe team releases the software once testing is complete and the software is ready. This might involve installing it on users’ devices or launching it on servers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe ticketing system goes live, and the customer support team starts using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final phase updates the software to add new features or fix issues. Once again, user feedback<\/a> helps here. This ongoing process ensures the software remains valuable and efficient over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOver time, feedback<\/a> from the customer service team leads to updates. The team adds a feature to assign tickets to specific team members automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow, let’s explore various models and methodologies your team can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SDLC models and methodologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are lots of different ways to approach the SDLC process. Here are the most common ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waterfall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Waterfall model<\/a> follows a linear, sequential approach. The team divides a software project into phases. Each phase must be completed before moving to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a government agency is developing a standardized payroll system. Multiple departments will use it. This industry has strict regulations and need a clear audit trail. They choose the Waterfall model to complete and document each phase before moving on to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAgile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAgile<\/a> software development focuses on customer feedback and rapid iterative delivery. It’s highly flexible and promotes adaptive planning. Software startups often use Agile to rapidly iterate based on user feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a mobile app startup is creating a fitness tracking app. They use the Agile methodology to quickly release a basic version of the app. Then, they iterate on it with bi-weekly sprints based on user feedback and usage data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpiral<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpiral<\/a> combines iterative software engineering with risk management. It evaluates risks at each phase. Critical system software companies often use Spiral to minimize potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a financial services firm is building a new trading platform. They must adhere to various compliance standards. They choose the Spiral model to incrementally develop the software. They also continuously evaluate and mitigate risks associated with financial transactions and data security.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDevOps\/DevSecOps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis model<\/a> integrates development (Dev), operations (Ops), and security (SecOps). It focuses on automation, continuous delivery, and integration. Continuous deployment environments in tech companies often choose DevOps or DevSecOps.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: an ecommerce company wants to continuously enhance their online shopping platform. They adopt DevOps to automate their development and deployment processes. They want to release frequent updates with minimal downtime. DevSecOps also helps them ensure that security is a part of the process from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIterative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe iterative model<\/a> develops software in increments. This incremental model helps detect and correct issues early. For example, a software developer might build a web application and add new features in each release.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a video game development company is working on a complex game with multiple levels. They use an Iterative approach to build and release the first level of the game to testers. Then they progressively design, develop, and test subsequent levels. At the same time, they refine previous iterations based on the feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBig Bang<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis model<\/a> is quite different. It involves minimal planning, with resources thrown in all at once. This is best for small, personal projects with limited scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a student is creating a personal blog website to showcase their portfolio. They decide on the Big Bang approach. They invest a limited amount of time and resources to launch the full site all at once. There\u2019s no need for iterative phases or extensive planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nV-shaped<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe V-shaped framework<\/a> is similar to Waterfall. However, it includes testing at each stage parallel to the development phases. Hardware development projects often require rigorous testing at each development phase. They tend to use the V-shaped model.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: an aerospace company is developing software for flight control systems. They use the V-shaped model to ensure that with each development phase, there is a corresponding testing phase. This rigorous testing is critical for the safety and reliability in high-stakes environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrototype<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe prototype-focused approach<\/a> is precisely what it sounds like. The team develops a prototype before developing the entire system. Early-stage software tools demonstrate concepts or potential functionality with the help of prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a software company is pitching an innovative project management tool to a potential client. They develop a functional prototype of the application. This allows them to demonstrate the proposed features and user interface. They also gather feedback and make improvements before developing the full system.<\/p>\n\n\n\nModels compared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Each of these models offers distinct advantages and challenges. Here’s how they all compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"SDLC-process\"](\"https:\/\/canny.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SDLC-process.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPlanning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn this planning stage, a project team identifies the need for new software. Then, they outline a plan for the development team to create it. The plan includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Setting goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Defining scope<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allocating resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Software requirement specification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA company realizes its customer service team needs a more efficient way to track customer queries. They plan to develop a ticketing system that organizes and prioritizes customer support requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt’s time for the software design, architecture, and user interface. This phase turns the plan into a blueprint. It details how the software will work and what it will look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe team designs the ticketing system with features like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Ticket status updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Categorization of query types<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dashboard for tracking query resolution times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn this phase, programmers write the code based on the system design documents. This is where the software starts to take shape and become functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nProgrammers write the code for the ticketing system. They create functionalities based on the design document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe software development team rigorously tests the tool to find and fix any errors or bugs. This ensures the software is reliable and performs as intended. Sometimes, there are dedicated QA (quality assurance) testers. Other times, other engineers do software testing. Sometimes, the company finds beta testers<\/a> willing to try the product before it’s fully ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis stage is super helpful for gathering feedback<\/a> and refining the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBefore launch, the system is tested for bugs. For example, they might find that some tickets\u2019 status doesn\u2019t update correctly and fix this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deployment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe team releases the software once testing is complete and the software is ready. This might involve installing it on users’ devices or launching it on servers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe ticketing system goes live, and the customer support team starts using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final phase updates the software to add new features or fix issues. Once again, user feedback<\/a> helps here. This ongoing process ensures the software remains valuable and efficient over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOver time, feedback<\/a> from the customer service team leads to updates. The team adds a feature to assign tickets to specific team members automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNow, let’s explore various models and methodologies your team can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SDLC models and methodologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are lots of different ways to approach the SDLC process. Here are the most common ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waterfall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Waterfall model<\/a> follows a linear, sequential approach. The team divides a software project into phases. Each phase must be completed before moving to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a government agency is developing a standardized payroll system. Multiple departments will use it. This industry has strict regulations and need a clear audit trail. They choose the Waterfall model to complete and document each phase before moving on to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAgile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAgile<\/a> software development focuses on customer feedback and rapid iterative delivery. It’s highly flexible and promotes adaptive planning. Software startups often use Agile to rapidly iterate based on user feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a mobile app startup is creating a fitness tracking app. They use the Agile methodology to quickly release a basic version of the app. Then, they iterate on it with bi-weekly sprints based on user feedback and usage data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpiral<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpiral<\/a> combines iterative software engineering with risk management. It evaluates risks at each phase. Critical system software companies often use Spiral to minimize potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a financial services firm is building a new trading platform. They must adhere to various compliance standards. They choose the Spiral model to incrementally develop the software. They also continuously evaluate and mitigate risks associated with financial transactions and data security.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDevOps\/DevSecOps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis model<\/a> integrates development (Dev), operations (Ops), and security (SecOps). It focuses on automation, continuous delivery, and integration. Continuous deployment environments in tech companies often choose DevOps or DevSecOps.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: an ecommerce company wants to continuously enhance their online shopping platform. They adopt DevOps to automate their development and deployment processes. They want to release frequent updates with minimal downtime. DevSecOps also helps them ensure that security is a part of the process from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIterative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe iterative model<\/a> develops software in increments. This incremental model helps detect and correct issues early. For example, a software developer might build a web application and add new features in each release.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a video game development company is working on a complex game with multiple levels. They use an Iterative approach to build and release the first level of the game to testers. Then they progressively design, develop, and test subsequent levels. At the same time, they refine previous iterations based on the feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBig Bang<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis model<\/a> is quite different. It involves minimal planning, with resources thrown in all at once. This is best for small, personal projects with limited scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a student is creating a personal blog website to showcase their portfolio. They decide on the Big Bang approach. They invest a limited amount of time and resources to launch the full site all at once. There\u2019s no need for iterative phases or extensive planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nV-shaped<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe V-shaped framework<\/a> is similar to Waterfall. However, it includes testing at each stage parallel to the development phases. Hardware development projects often require rigorous testing at each development phase. They tend to use the V-shaped model.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: an aerospace company is developing software for flight control systems. They use the V-shaped model to ensure that with each development phase, there is a corresponding testing phase. This rigorous testing is critical for the safety and reliability in high-stakes environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrototype<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe prototype-focused approach<\/a> is precisely what it sounds like. The team develops a prototype before developing the entire system. Early-stage software tools demonstrate concepts or potential functionality with the help of prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExample<\/strong>: a software company is pitching an innovative project management tool to a potential client. They develop a functional prototype of the application. This allows them to demonstrate the proposed features and user interface. They also gather feedback and make improvements before developing the full system.<\/p>\n\n\n\nModels compared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Each of these models offers distinct advantages and challenges. Here’s how they all compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A company realizes its customer service team needs a more efficient way to track customer queries. They plan to develop a ticketing system that organizes and prioritizes customer support requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s time for the software design, architecture, and user interface. This phase turns the plan into a blueprint. It details how the software will work and what it will look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The team designs the ticketing system with features like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this phase, programmers write the code based on the system design documents. This is where the software starts to take shape and become functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Programmers write the code for the ticketing system. They create functionalities based on the design document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The software development team rigorously tests the tool to find and fix any errors or bugs. This ensures the software is reliable and performs as intended. Sometimes, there are dedicated QA (quality assurance) testers. Other times, other engineers do software testing. Sometimes, the company finds beta testers<\/a> willing to try the product before it’s fully ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This stage is super helpful for gathering feedback<\/a> and refining the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before launch, the system is tested for bugs. For example, they might find that some tickets\u2019 status doesn\u2019t update correctly and fix this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team releases the software once testing is complete and the software is ready. This might involve installing it on users’ devices or launching it on servers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The ticketing system goes live, and the customer support team starts using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final phase updates the software to add new features or fix issues. Once again, user feedback<\/a> helps here. This ongoing process ensures the software remains valuable and efficient over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, feedback<\/a> from the customer service team leads to updates. The team adds a feature to assign tickets to specific team members automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, let’s explore various models and methodologies your team can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of different ways to approach the SDLC process. Here are the most common ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waterfall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Waterfall model<\/a> follows a linear, sequential approach. The team divides a software project into phases. Each phase must be completed before moving to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: a government agency is developing a standardized payroll system. Multiple departments will use it. This industry has strict regulations and need a clear audit trail. They choose the Waterfall model to complete and document each phase before moving on to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Agile<\/a> software development focuses on customer feedback and rapid iterative delivery. It’s highly flexible and promotes adaptive planning. Software startups often use Agile to rapidly iterate based on user feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: a mobile app startup is creating a fitness tracking app. They use the Agile methodology to quickly release a basic version of the app. Then, they iterate on it with bi-weekly sprints based on user feedback and usage data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spiral<\/a> combines iterative software engineering with risk management. It evaluates risks at each phase. Critical system software companies often use Spiral to minimize potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: a financial services firm is building a new trading platform. They must adhere to various compliance standards. They choose the Spiral model to incrementally develop the software. They also continuously evaluate and mitigate risks associated with financial transactions and data security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This model<\/a> integrates development (Dev), operations (Ops), and security (SecOps). It focuses on automation, continuous delivery, and integration. Continuous deployment environments in tech companies often choose DevOps or DevSecOps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: an ecommerce company wants to continuously enhance their online shopping platform. They adopt DevOps to automate their development and deployment processes. They want to release frequent updates with minimal downtime. DevSecOps also helps them ensure that security is a part of the process from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The iterative model<\/a> develops software in increments. This incremental model helps detect and correct issues early. For example, a software developer might build a web application and add new features in each release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: a video game development company is working on a complex game with multiple levels. They use an Iterative approach to build and release the first level of the game to testers. Then they progressively design, develop, and test subsequent levels. At the same time, they refine previous iterations based on the feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This model<\/a> is quite different. It involves minimal planning, with resources thrown in all at once. This is best for small, personal projects with limited scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: a student is creating a personal blog website to showcase their portfolio. They decide on the Big Bang approach. They invest a limited amount of time and resources to launch the full site all at once. There\u2019s no need for iterative phases or extensive planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The V-shaped framework<\/a> is similar to Waterfall. However, it includes testing at each stage parallel to the development phases. Hardware development projects often require rigorous testing at each development phase. They tend to use the V-shaped model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: an aerospace company is developing software for flight control systems. They use the V-shaped model to ensure that with each development phase, there is a corresponding testing phase. This rigorous testing is critical for the safety and reliability in high-stakes environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prototype-focused approach<\/a> is precisely what it sounds like. The team develops a prototype before developing the entire system. Early-stage software tools demonstrate concepts or potential functionality with the help of prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example<\/strong>: a software company is pitching an innovative project management tool to a potential client. They develop a functional prototype of the application. This allows them to demonstrate the proposed features and user interface. They also gather feedback and make improvements before developing the full system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of these models offers distinct advantages and challenges. Here’s how they all compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nDesign<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Testing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deployment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SDLC models and methodologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Agile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Spiral<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DevOps\/DevSecOps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Iterative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Big Bang<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
V-shaped<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prototype<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Models compared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Feedback-and-SDLC\"](\"https:\/\/canny.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Feedback-and-SDLC.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/5705808\/e1d55d08-a2cf-44a3-a9a0-f3ca5ff21dfa.png\")
<\/a> <\/span>