The software development process (also known as the software development lifecycle – SDLC) might seem simple at first glance, but it involves a series of essential steps designed to ensure that software is efficient, reliable, secure, and meets the needs of end users.
What is the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)?
The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) outlines the necessary phases to validate software development and ensure it meets the application requirements. It also defines procedures to verify that the development methods used are appropriate.
The main reason for a structured SDLC is that fixing errors late in the implementation phase can be very costly. By following proper methodologies, problems can be detected early, allowing developers to focus on software quality, deadlines, and budget control.
While there are different SDLC approaches, the ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207:2017 standard states:
"A common framework for software lifecycle processes with well-defined terminology that the software industry can reference. It includes processes, activities, and tasks applicable during acquisition, supply, development, operation, maintenance, or disposal of software systems, products, and services. These lifecycle processes involve stakeholders with the ultimate goal of achieving customer satisfaction."
Phases of Software Development
A systematic software development methodology provides a structured way to plan, manage, and execute a project with high chances of success. It breaks the project into smaller modules and establishes a standardized way to manage them.
The SDLC covers all steps from product conception to delivery and maintenance, ensuring a consistent and high-quality outcome.
1. Planning
Before starting a software project, certain tasks must be completed to increase the chances of success. Known as the fuzzy front-end, these activities are not bound by strict deadlines.
Key tasks include:
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Defining the project scope
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Conducting a feasibility study
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Performing risk analysis
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Estimating project costs and timelines
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Allocating resources for each project phase
2. Analysis
The analysis phase focuses on understanding what the software must do. It involves gathering system requirements and ensuring a clear comprehension of the functionalities the software must include.
3. Design
During the design phase, developers explore implementation options and determine the overall architecture of the software. Design is often iterative, requiring refinements based on prototypes or feedback.
Tips:
4. Implementation
This phase involves coding the software using appropriate tools, development environments, and programming languages. Choices depend on design decisions and the environment where the software will operate.
Best practices during coding:
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Avoid unstructured control blocks
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Name variables clearly and manage their scope
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Use suitable algorithms and data structures
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Keep application logic simple
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Document and comment code properly
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Apply consistent code formatting rules
Additionally, developers should prepare test cases and acquire resources necessary for software operation.
5. Testing
The testing phase aims to identify errors from previous stages before they reach the end user. A test is considered successful when it uncovers a defect, allowing developers to fix it proactively.
6. Deployment
During deployment, the software is installed and made operational. Planning must consider dependencies between components to avoid compatibility issues. Components may work individually but fail when combined, so use proven combinations during deployment.
7. Usage and Maintenance
Although software doesn’t physically wear out, maintenance is crucial for:
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Corrective maintenance: Fixing defects found during use
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Adaptive maintenance: Updating software for new requirements
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Perfective maintenance: Adding new functionalities
High-quality software usually requires more maintenance because it is used extensively, sometimes in unanticipated ways, generating improvement opportunities.
Software Development Lifecycle Models
In order to establish a common methodology between the client and the software company, lifecycle models (or software development paradigms such as object-oriented programming) have been updated to outline the development stages and necessary documentation, ensuring that each phase is validated before moving on to the next.
Waterfall Model
Phases progress linearly: a phase must be completed before the next begins.
Iterative Model
The development process is repeated in cycles, revisiting each phase multiple times to refine the software.
Spiral Model
Combines previous models with a focus on risk management. Objectives and constraints are set for each iteration, prototypes are built, and risks are analyzed before full-scale development.
V-Model
An enhancement of the Waterfall Model, the V-Model emphasizes verification and validation at every stage. Test planning occurs alongside development.
Big Bang Model
A simple but risky approach: minimal planning, extensive coding, and significant resources are invested at once. Suitable for projects with flexible requirements.
If you would like to know more about which model is the most suitable for your project, take a look at this article!
Software Lifecycle Solutions
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) automates software development and ensures constant lifecycle monitoring. Supported by DevOps tools like Azure, CI/CD helps improve development efficiency, quality, and deployment reliability—services Intelequia can provide.
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