Running a software and web development company has its challenges. One such challenge is that our client’s often do not understand that we do not often a product as a once off purchase, instead we offer a service that for the most part needs to remain continuous. This is because technology is constantly evolving, so the software we built say 3 years ago, might now be completed outdated and even impossible to use.
So, when I sit down with a client who is interested in custom software or web/app development, I make a point to discuss the Software Development Life Cycle with them.
What is SDLC?
A Software Development Life Cycle is basically a series of necessary steps, or phases, that set a solid foundation for the development and progression of an application or software. The procedures can vary from industry to industry, but essentially, they all include the process of developing the software, improving it, and configuring the systems.
Why We Implement SDLC Processes:
These days we are requested to build systems that are quite dynamic and complex in terms of analysis, system architecture and design, lines of code and automation. To create a huge system for an enterprise, our team of analysts, designers, programmer, testers and project managers have to work as a team and strategies to create the millions of lines of code which will meet the client’s requirements.
The Stages of the Software Development Life Cycle:
Stage 1
The first stage is the analysis and definition phases. Here we set the purpose and intent of the software or system that needs to be developed. The goals need to be established and the objectives and milestones put in place.
Stage 2
During this phase the clients need to agree on what the would like the user-interface to look like, that is, the design needs to be agreed upon. In this phase it is important to ensure that the design requirements will match and accommodate the user requirements.
Stage 3
Then we move on to development. In this phase the engineering and coding of the application takes place. This stage can take weeks if not months to complete. During the software construction or development stage, the actual engineering and writing of the application is done. The software is created with the objective of accomplishing all of the requirements that were set forth within the beginning stage.
Stage 4
The third step is the testing phase. Code written during development should be tested using static and dynamic analysis, as well as manual testing to make sure that the application is not vulnerable to hackers, which could result in security breaches.
Stage 5
Now we do maintenance. Once the software is given the security stamp of approval, it can be loaded on to a beta environment to test real-world usability, before being implemented for full release where it enters the maintenance phase. The maintenance stage allows the application to be adjusted to organizational, systemic, and utilization changes.
In conclusion
The maintenance stage suggests that the Software Development Life Cycle is continuous, since there will always be maintenance and upgrades to action, especially as technology changes and the demands of the users increase. In our industry this is a perk, since it basically means you have a client for life!