Exploring the Software Development Life Cycle

Sep 2023

Our world is powered by software, yet creating software is not an easy undertaking. Have you ever wondered how a software developer transforms an idea into a finished product that satisfies the needs and expectations of users and clients?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) enables developers to take a new product from the original concept stage all the way through to the deployment of a working piece of software. The process is used for all types of development, from new mobile apps and online platforms, to complicated business solutions.

But what is the Software Development Life Cycle? We will now examine the eight separate steps that make up this well-structured process.

PLANNING

The scope, objectives and requirements of the product must be clearly defined at the outset. A project plan is prepared at this point, timelines are set and resources are allocated.

REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

At this stage developers will collect information from the client regarding their needs from the software. They’ll determine which issues the client is trying to resolve and what features the product will need to have.

DESIGN

At this stage developers will work on the architectural design for the software, outlining its structure and individual components. They’ll outline both the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to ensure usability.

IMPLEMENTATION

Following the design, developers will write the actual code for the software, using appropriate language and tools. Regular testing and review will help to preserve the coding’s quality.

TESTING

The software will be rigorously tested by quality assurance teams to identify and fix any bugs and make sure it satisfies the client’s requirements, which were specified earlier in the software development life cycle. Unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptability testing are just a few of the elements that make up software testing.

DEPLOYMENT

At this stage, the developers will prepare for the release of the software, including server setup and database configuration. The redeployment can be done in stages or all at once, depending on the client’s requirements.

MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT

Once the software has been deployed, ongoing maintenance is crucial to address any issues that present themselves, and to implement any new updates. Developers will also gather feedback which will help to inform any future enhancements to the software.

EVALUATION

Once the software has been deployed, and any subsequent issues have been resolved, the software’s performance will then be assessed against the initial goals agreed with the client. Any input obtained during the previous support cycle will be used to make adjustments or make plans for future iterations of the product.

CONCLUSION

The Software Development Life Cycle is just that, a cycle. It is essential that developers continue to pass through each stage as the software is updated, whether that is adding new features or enhancing existing ones. Following this structured approach will guarantee that the product remains relevant, continues to meet the needs of the client, and produces a product that offers value to users.

Are you looking for ideas for new software that can meet your needs and exceed expectations? Rare Earth Digital can help!

Book a non-obligatory call to chat through your requirements in more detail by emailing us at [email protected].