Supportsoft Glossary

SDLC Phases for Structured Software Delivery

The SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) is a regularised process that will provide a step-by-step guide for creating, testing and deploying software applications. The SDLC provides a systematic way for teams to develop software applications that meet the required quality standards, as well as addressing time, cost and technical limitations associated with developing software applications. The software development lifecycle consists of several distinct phases, starting with requirements analysis, where the team identifies exactly what the application is supposed to do. This is followed by design, where the architecture and layout of the software application are developed.

The next process is development, where programmers write the actual source code that is based on the detailed design of the software application. After features are built, the tester will conduct testing and verification to ensure that the software application conforms to functional, performance and security requirements. Following testing and verification, deployment of the software application will occur, allowing the software application to be available for end users. The software development lifecycle ends with maintenance, which involves providing support for the software application, optimising performance and providing software upgrades.

There are various software development methodologies available (e.g., waterfall, agile and spiral) that can be used with the software development lifecycle; however, all methodologies maintain a similar objective: to deliver reliable software applications through a repeatable and consistent framework. The Software Development Lifecycle helps organisations to reduce risk, increase collaboration and achieve a clear understanding of the full Software Development Lifecycle by breaking work into well-defined steps.