Web Development

Framework

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<p class="text-box-left">I just joined a software development project lately and the planning phase is already exhausting me</p>
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<p class="text-box-right">&nbsp;I see, but the dynamic nature of software development demands a predefined plan or blueprint long before the project commences</p>
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<p class="text-box-left">I guess that couldn&rsquo;t be help. By the way, what is this SDLC I have been hearing about?</p>
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<p class="text-box-right">SDLC stands for Software Development Lifecycle. Here, you`ll gain an in-depth understanding of what the Software Development Lifecycle is all about, and you'll also learn some of its models/methodologies and best practices.</p>
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<h2>What Is Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)&nbsp;</h2>
<p><br>Software Development Lifecycle is a conceptual framework that encapsulates all the activities involved in software development, from planning to maintenance. Instead of randomly starting a project, the development team visualises and analyses the entire project to draw insights that informs them about the requirements to produce high-quality software that aligns with customers' expectations. Irrespective of the project size, this process is followed to achieve the most desirable outcomes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Software Development Lifecycle is also known as Application Development Lifecycle. In addition to its functions, SDLC helps developers give projects a meticulous look that determines their strengths and weaknesses. It also offers the ability to fill in gaps, integrate new features, fulfil demands, and achieve optimal resolution. There's also great flexibility using SDLC, allowing programs to loop around until it becomes perfect. All these functions and more are performed in seven stages.</p>
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<h2>Stages of Software Development Lifecycle</h2>
<p><br>The seven stages of the Software Development Lifecycle include planning, requirements, design and prototype, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>1. Planning&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>Planning is the first stage of the Software Development Lifecycle that involves defining the project's purpose and desired outcomes. The project leader works closely with the client to fully grasp the demands that are eventually communicated to the development team. Once this part is checked, the project leader evaluates and distributes the time, effort, and resources.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2. Requirements&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The requirement stage, the second stage of the Software Development Lifecycle, is where all software requirements are established. Even if the project lead is so vast that they can guess the requirements, it is crucial to conduct an analysis that offers real insights into the requirements to achieve the goal of the software development. This is also the stage where every development team member understands their respective roles in fulfilling these requirements.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Design &amp; Prototype&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>After the first and second stages are established and fully understood by the development team, software design follows. The design stage is where the software product's functionality and its first model (prototype) are determined in line with the purpose of its creation. The fundamental aspects covered during this stage include product architecture, UI, security, and programming. &nbsp;</p>
<h3>4. Software Development&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The software development stage is where the core work of the entire Software Development Cycle begins. Here, coding guidelines are determined, and coding tasks are divided among the developers who comprise the development team. Depending on the methodology used, each team may develop using Agile methodology or Waterfall. Irrespective of the methodology used, this priority of developers in this stage is to ensure the application works efficiently.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. Testing&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>While all stages that precede the testing stage are critical, the testing stage carries greater importance. It is the stage where the operationality of a product is determined and evaluated for quality assurance. The testing that occurs includes code quality, integration testing, unit testing, security testing, and performance testing. All these tests are cautiously implemented repeatedly to detect and correct all errors that may affect the operationality of the product.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>6. Deployment&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The deployment stage is an automated stage that follows once the testing stage is concluded. In this stage, the product is made available for end-users based on preplanned purposes and requirements. This is also where the tech support team becomes active to generate feedback from users that have used the product. This will determine whether they'll make tiny changes immediately or until the next product update.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>7. Maintenance&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>Getting to this stage implies the product has been successfully developed and made available for end-users. However, the Software Development Lifecycle is incomplete without the maintenance stage. The maintenance stage is crucial because it is the stage where the product's durability is tested. The product may develop some malfunctions from constant use, and through the maintenance phase, all malfunctions are corrected, and product upgrades are performed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you've gotten to this part of this article, you already have a full grasp of the Software Development Lifecycle. However, this is foundational knowledge that is incomplete without SDLC models/methodologies and their best practices. So what are SDLC models/methodologies?&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Models/Methodologies&nbsp;</h2>
<p><br>As much as all software development teams follow the Software Development Lifecycle stages mentioned above, they adopt different models/methodologies depending on the nature of the task they are required to execute. These models/methodologies include the following:&nbsp;</p>
<h3>1. Waterfall Model&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The waterfall model, also known as the sequential design process, is an old SDLC model that involves the predetermination and gradual implementation of requirements and features in a software product. Using this model, developers divide all project stages, each carrying specific tasks and objectives that require completion before moving to the next stage. Without completing this stage, moving to the next one will be impossible.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This model is suitable for projects where requirements stay the same as product development progresses. While the Waterfall model offers some form of stability, it is too rigid and less transparent. In this sense, the model doesn't accommodate intuitive value addition or requirement adaptation mid-development and doesn't open room for customer participation in the development process.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2. V-Shaped model&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The V-shaped model is an SDLC model built on the prioritisation of verification and validation. At the core of its function, the v-shaped model strives for control by ensuring all deliverables are well-tested and work perfectly before moving to the next stage. This testing is conducted in every stage of development to detect errors and correct them without migrating them to the next stage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is a slight variant of the Waterfall model that adopts a strict approach that eliminates all possibilities for evolving changes. It is also a model that is only suitable for small-scale projects. The fact that testing is done at every stage also means it takes more time and resources to use it.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Iterative Model &nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The iterative model is an SDLC model that takes an unconventional approach to managing a software development project. It's a repetitive model that doesn't need the complete list of requirements before the project begins. Developers implement some requirements, test them to see their suitability, and then improve them to see if they are perfect. The process is repeated at every stage till the project is completed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As flexible as this model is, it may be challenging to sustain due to excessive customer involvement. While this may be an advantage, the fact that customers' needs are insatiable as they always demand addition, their demands may pose threats to product architecture. Implementing all changes demanded can also be costly to implement at the end of the day.</p>
<h3>4. Spiral Model&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The spiral model is an all-inclusive model that allows the adoption of multiple SDLC models/methodologies based on the risk patterns of the project. It involves the specification and implementation of requirements for each part of the software product in groups. It's strictly the combination of the Waterfall and Iterative SDLC models as it is flexible and prioritises risk analysis before implementing a requirement.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a result of combining multiple models, the spiral model is suitable for large projects as it offers developers all the pros of the combined models. Sadly, that also comes with all the cons. Using it is time-consuming, and completion takes longer than projected. In addition, it may be costly to use because it may exceed the predetermined budget.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. Agile Model&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The Agile Model is one of the most practical SDLC models because it divides projects into cycles that are worked on in a short time frame. It is the most used model because it accommodates all participants of the development project and facilitates active communication between them and the customer. It is also adaptive to evolving changes implemented as soon as they are discovered, irrespective of how far the development has gone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As widely accepted as this model is, it relies highly on customer contributions which may give the project a bad outcome. Additionally, the changes it accommodates may not align with the architecture that was developed and used up to the point the change comes up. Lastly, while the final product may be good, the cost of achieving it may take time to measure.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>6. Prototype Model&nbsp;</h3>
<p><br>The prototype model is another customer-centred SDLC model that involves the development of a model (prototype) before development begins. This prototype is shown to the client to get feedback on what should be added or removed. This model is suitable for developing products used by companies in newly-growing industries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The issue with this model is that problems may arise with the quality of the product developed. And even if the problems are resolved, the fact that developers must create a prototype for customer evaluation and feedback means other issues may arise, making the whole process tiring and almost endless.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you've followed closely, you'll have realised that each model has unique use cases. The best value of each can only be realised if deployed on projects they are suitable for. And while you're at it, ensure you maintain SDLC best practices. What are these practices? &nbsp;</p>
<h2>Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Best Practices &nbsp;</h2>
<p><br>Irrespective of the SDLC model you use, you need to follow some practices that further the successful outcome of your development. These practices include:&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">- Maintain Data Hygiene&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">- Have A Standardised Code Review Process</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">- Manage Code Quality</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">- Have An Optimised Workflow Amongst Developers</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">- Increase the Accuracy of your Planning&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>&nbsp;<br>Every Software Development Lifecycle model is unique regarding requirements, suitability, and expectations. Hence, selecting one must be based on the three factors mentioned above because no model serves all purposes. Bearing that in mind, you must also follow best practices to maximise the value of the SDLC you choosee.</p>

Therefore, having an operational framework that consistently and efficiently produces high-quality software products is preferable to dealing with delays, significant resource wastage, and subpar project outcomes. In order to facilitate development with desired results, the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) was developed. Therefore, many organizations are using SDLC to create high-quality products as quickly, safely, and affordably as possible rather than starting projects. You will learn some of the Software Development Lifecycle's models, methodologies, and best practices here as well as gain a thorough understanding of what it is all about. Each Software Development Lifecycle model has different expectations, requirements, and suitability.

What Are Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Models/methodologies & Best Practices

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