Overview
This lecture covers the six phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), describing each stage, its tasks, and key deliverables.
Phases of the SDLC
- The SDLC includes six phases: Planning, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance.
- Phases are discrete, meaning each phase is completed before the next begins.
- The SDLC originated from the waterfall method but can include iteration for changing requirements.
- Terminology and number of phases may vary across organizations.
Planning Phase
- Requirements are gathered, analyzed, documented, and prioritized.
- Factors considered: users, solution purpose, data inputs/outputs, legal compliance, risks, quality assurance, resources, and scheduling.
- Labor and material costs are estimated against time constraints.
- Teams are identified and roles assigned.
- Prototypes may be created to clarify requirements.
- Requirements are consolidated into a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document, approved by stakeholders.
Design Phase
- Requirements from the SRS guide software architecture design.
- Multiple team members collaborate on architecture development.
- Design documents are created and reviewed with stakeholders.
- Prototypes may be developed for demonstration and feedback.
Development Phase
- Developers begin coding based on the design document.
- Coding tasks are assigned by project planners.
- Programming tools, languages, and organizational standards are followed.
Testing Phase
- Code is thoroughly tested for stability, security, and requirements compliance.
- Testing can be manual, automated, or both.
- Bugs are tracked, fixed, and code is retested.
- Testing types include unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing.
Deployment Phase
- Application is released to the production environment, possibly in stages.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) precedes production release.
- Software may be distributed via websites, app stores, or corporate servers.
Maintenance Phase
- Maintenance addresses bugs, UI issues, and new requirements after deployment.
- Enhancements and fixes are identified for future releases.
- Issues found may restart the SDLC cycle.
Key Terms & Definitions
- SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) — structured process for developing software in defined phases.
- Waterfall Method — a linear SDLC approach where each phase follows the previous one.
- Prototype — a preliminary model used to clarify requirements and gather feedback.
- Software Requirements Specification (SRS) — document detailing all agreed requirements for the project.
- Design Document — describes software architecture and guides development.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) — final testing phase where end users validate the software.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review SDLC phase terminology used in your organization.
- Prepare for detailed study of requirements gathering, SRS, and software testing types in upcoming lectures.