What is the System Development Life Cycle?

Understanding the latest System Development Life Cycle methodologies is necessary, especially when you are a developer or project manager.

It saves your time by speeding up development, reduces expenses, and utilizes the maximum potential of your team members.

This blog explores the core meaning and phases of the system development life cycle, the primary software engineering methodologies, and the most important benefits they can provide during project development.

Special attention has been given to the 7 stages of the system development life cycle, as properly implementing the new and changed software systems requires good comprehension of each stage.

Ready to Enhance the Effectiveness of Your Systems Development Life Cycle? Let's get started.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Each system, hardware, and software development type involves several iterative steps, each with a defined set of activities and tasks.

The SDLC creates a systematic structure and reusable framework to define the various system development steps.

It provides a measurable and repeatable development process, clarifies the scope of activities, and helps project managers assign appropriate roles and responsibilities to the resources and parties involved in the project.

Upcoming new business ideas in India need to understand this concept as the technology will be integrated into their business projects thoroughly.

The different steps explain the system development life cycle much better, aiding in creating a systematic structure and reusable framework.

It provides a measurable and repeatable development process, clarifies the scope of activities, and helps project managers assign appropriate roles and responsibilities to project resources and parties.

In complex projects, development time will likely be long, complicated, and full of roadblocks involving many parties.

The system development life cycle phases equip project managers with tools to identify and mitigate roadblocks and minimize complexity as the project unfolds.

Recommended Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Custom Web Development Services

How Many Steps Are in the System Development Life Cycle?

There are seven independent SDLC phases. They all demand different specialists and skills for the project to be successfully implemented. Nowadays, the processes become highly complicated and interdisciplinary.

Here are the 7 stages of the system development life cycle:

1. Planning Stage

Planning stage is the basis of the whole SDLC scheme and opens up the path for the proper execution of the following steps with the successful launch of a project.

In industries like finance, where fintech startup ideas are growing, planning needs to focus on security and scalability.

First, the developers and other team members work out objectives for the system and create a very crude plan on which the system will function.

At this stage, they may use predictive analysis and AI simulation tools to test the validity of an idea in its early stages.

This analysis helps a project manager build up a picture of the long-term resources required to develop a solution, potential market uptake, and which obstacles might arise.

At the core of the planning process is finding out how a specific problem can be solved through a particular piece of software solution.

Notably, the planning stage entails analyzing resources and costs required to accomplish a project and estimating the overall price of a developed piece of software.

2. Analysis Stage

After all the planning, it is time to switch to the research and analysis stage.

In this phase, you add information for your new system. This includes the first drafts of system prototype versions, market research, and an analysis of competitors.

For instance, defining AI objectives early in the analysis stage allows for better integration of artificial intelligence throughout the system.

For the practical completion of analysis and gathering all the essential information related to any specific project, developers have the following:

a. Draw out system requirements

An SRS document is usually drafted at this stage. Your team should have a good amount of input in deciding the functional and network requirements of the proposed project aligning with latest trends in devops.

b. Assess existing prototypes

Some prototypes should be assessed to determine which ones are the most promising.

c. Conduct market research

Market research is required to establish the pains and needs of end-users. Recently, companies have used automated NLP to research and obtain insights from customers' opinions through reviews and feedback.

d. Define concrete goals

Goals are defined and assigned to the system development life cycle phases. Frequently, these are linked to features to be implemented.

3. Design Stage

The design and prototyping stage is the second phase of a system development project.

It is commonly misunderstood and incorrectly equated with the actual development process but is an extended prototyping stage.

This is one step in the system development life cycle in which the significant time required to develop the software will be eliminated.

For example, in a multi-vendor ecommerce app development project, core software features will accommodate multiple sellers with distinct user interfaces.

The scope of this stage comprises the following:

» The System Interface

» Databases

» Core software features (including architecture like microservices)

» User Interface and usability

» Network and its requirements

As a rule, these features help finalize the SRS document and create the software prototype to get a general idea of how it should look.

Prototyping tools now provide extreme automation and AI, thoroughly simplifying this stage.

Additionally, understanding the differences between PoC vs Prototype and MVP helps clarify the project’s end goals and resource allocation.

They are applied in fast creation in multiples of the early-stage working prototypes, which then are allowed to pass various evaluations. AI tracking monitoring tools ensure that the best practices are applied stringently.

4. Development Stage

In the development phase of SDLC, the process of creating the system results in a working solution. Developers code the app based on the finalized requirements and specification documents.

This stage includes using front-end and backend languages for development. DevOps engineers are significant for providing self-service resources to developers to ease the testing and rollout process.

Developers may choose cross-platform app development frameworks to ensure the application runs smoothly on multiple platforms.

This system development life cycle stage is often divided into several sub-stages.

For example, mobile app development using Python to conform to the specifications and requirements outlined in the SRS document.

5. Testing Stage

The testing stage includes all checks that ensure the application works correctly and realistically, without contradictions, and that the user's objectives and expectations are met.

To put it briefly, it detects possible bugs, defects, and errors, searches for vulnerabilities, etc., and sometimes even lingers longer than the app-building stage.

There are many testing approaches, and you will, over time, combine several of these methods. It could be unit testing vs. integration testing, depending on the project requirements.

Similarly, automated and cloud development platforms that enable testing environments take much of the manual time out of this system development life cycle stage.

6. Integration and Implementation Stage

Once ready to roll, it can be made available to its final users and deployed into the production environment.

At this stage, the software undergoes final testing through the training or pre-production environment, and then it is ready for presentation on the market.

Ensure you have several backup plans for when the product is released to the market if things do not quite go according to plan. Consider the benefits of cloud computing for small businesses during this process.

For example, you can easily turn features on and off with microservices architecture. Moreover, you will likely have several rollback scenarios. If needed, you may need to use a canary release (to a small subset of users).

7. Maintenance Stage

The most significant final stage of the SDLC process is maintenance, which is when final users have already tested the software.

Developers may find undetected issues during the initial days of tests. They should immediately react to the problems reported and implement necessary changes so that the software can be used stably and conveniently.

This is especially true for complex systems, which will likely be more challenging to test during debugging.

For example, the best hospital management software in India prioritizes user feedback to ensure ongoing improvements after deployment.

Automated monitoring tools, which constantly monitor performance and uptime and analyze for errors, can also aid developers in ongoing quality assurance. This is also referred to as instrumentation.

Explore: AI in Construction: How Artificial Intelligence is Paving the Way for Smart Construction

What are the SDLC Models?

You're now familiar with the fundamental phases of the system development life cycle and why each one is vital.

Now, it’s time to understand the core methodologies of the system development life cycle.

These techniques will help you deliver a software model with specific characteristics and features.

Most developers and project managers usually choose between the 7 models explained below:

1. Waterfall Model

This approach implies a linear type of project phase completion, wherein every stage has its separate project plan and is strictly related to the previous and next steps of system development.

Every stage should be conducted before the other begins. In short, thorough documentation is necessary to ensure that any task completed is as comprehensive as possible to avoid duplication of work at the next stage.

This will guarantee that the teams, which are usually separated for different stages of undertaking, efficiently convey information from one group to the other.

A waterfall model has so much structure and clarity but tends to become rigid. It will be difficult to go back and make changes later at a particular stage.

2. Iterative Model

In the iterative model, a series of smaller "waterfalls" exist where manageable portions of code are extensively analyzed, tested, and delivered through repetition cycles of development.

The early feedback from an end-user permits issues and bugs to be removed right from the initial stages of software creation

The iterative model is preferred frequently due to its adaptability, and changes are relatively easier to handle.

3. Spiral Model

The spiral model suits large projects with a high likelihood of problems occurring. The changes are repeatedly passed through the different phases of SDLC in a so-called "spiral" motion.

It enables regular incorporation of feedback, thereby significantly reducing the time and costs required for changing.

4. V-Model

The verification and validation methodology needs a consistent timeline and massive resources. It's like the waterfall model, with complete parallel testing included at every stage of the SDLC process.

For example, the developers will use multiple tools, programming environments, and languages to execute the program; such as C++, PHP, Python Vs Java, etc.

This model is resource-intensive and not flexible. It can benefit those projects with specific requirements and where testing is necessary.

5. Big Bang Model

This model is mainly used for creating and delivering a wide range of ideas, fitting perfectly into the needs of clients who do not know exactly what their final product should look like.

It's ideal for projects with high experimentation, like AI-based innovation projects or blockchain proof of concept (POC) development.

Link to AI ML development services or create private blockchain technology for better relevance.

In this case, delivering different system variations may more accurately define the final output and give a more concrete vision of project completion.

Though it typically costs too much to deliver large projects, it magnificently works for small or pilot projects.

6. Agile Model

The Agile model focuses on a collaborative approach and the implementation of small pieces of change based on constant feedback.

There are lots of discussions regarding how do Agile and DevOps interrelate?

The Agile model meets the changing requirements of the project because they can occur at the time of SDLC.

Many developers will also combine aspects of the Agile and Waterfall model into a hybrid that has been called an "Agile-Waterfall hybrid."

7. RAD Model (Rapid Application Development)

This model enables a quick development process based on user feedback. It is ideal for projects with tight deadlines.

This model is commonly used for iOs/Android mobile app development or MVP creation for startups.

You could link to app development platforms like Flutter vs React Native or rapid prototyping software.

Recommendation: Top 15 Database for Web Applications to Use In 2024

What are the Advantages of SDLC?

This article talks about the popular SDLC methodologies that software development companies offer. Now, let's talk about whether they are indeed worth implementing.

These are the benefits the system development life cycle offers:

1. Structured Approach

The development lifecycle gives developers a structured approach to software development, efficient planning, and task organization.

The structured methodology provides developers with high productivity and reduced errors while ensuring the timely delivery of quality software products.

2. Risk Management

One of the excellent attributes of SDLC is its insight and the capability to identify and, hence, mitigate the risks inherent in the software development process.

The identification process lets developers pick up on risks and take proactive steps to understand and mitigate them, thus generally decreasing the overall risk associated with software development.

3. Consistency

It creates an environment of consistency in software development through a standard software development framework and methodology.

Consistency will make the quality of the software high, with the final products produced almost certainly meeting client expectations.

4. Collaboration

It promotes collaboration in the workplace among participants, utilizing common tools such as the top choices for Android app development frameworks and application language to communicate.

Such synergy in collaboration enhances the final product's quality overall, besides ensuring that the final product meets the client's needs to the letter.

5. Cost-Effective

It is a cost-effective approach. This becomes possible by issuing potential errors throughout development with prototyping tools such as Figma and others.

The development life cycle ensures that software for small businesses is developed cost-effectively, reducing errors and saving time from redoing the work if the issues are found earlier.

Explore: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Construction Management App Like Fieldwire?

What are the Disadvantages of the System Development Life Cycle?

Here are some of the disadvantages of development life cycle:

1. Rigid Structure

It is significantly inflexible when the project requirements have changed in the middle of the development phase.

In such cases, the product developed eventually fails to satisfy the evolving client needs.

2. High Upfront Cost

The entry cost to the development life cycle process is relatively high regarding time and financial investment.

This could be a significant challenge for small businesses or start-up companies that do not have sufficient resources to invest in the vast resources demanded by SDLC.

3. Time-Consuming

Another major drawback is the time required to travel through the process, especially where complex development processes are involved.

Such an investment in time often results in time delays while delivering the software, which becomes frustrating for developers and their clients.

4. Overemphasis on Process

A pitfall of this life cycle is its overemphasis on the process of development itself, and it may change the product.

This might suppress innovation and creativity in the end and result in an underwhelming final product lacking the spark of innovation and ingenuity in the final product.

What are the Challenges of SDLC?

Like any other methodology of software development, each SDLC has both advantages and disadvantages:

» More time and effort will have to be devoted to the project's development if the model is quite complicated

» All the specifications must be decided on beforehand

» SDLC models can be relatively rigid

» Much documentation is created, which could hinder projects

» Many diverse experts are required

» Involvement from customers is typically considerable

» Some development teams may find it too cumbersome to test

Still, despite all of its drawbacks, SDLC has proved to be one of the best approaches to successfully releasing software products.

Recommended Read: A Complete Guide to Financial Software Development for Your FinTech Business

How is the System Development Life Cycle different from the System Design Life Cycle?

Let's discuss some of the differences between the System Development Life Cycle and the System Design Life Cycle in more narrative terms:

1. Scope

» System Development Life Cycle

It covers an information system's development and management processes from the planning stage to system retirement and maintenance.

» System Design Life Cycle

This deals only with the design life cycle as part of the overall system development life cycle. It would include the detailed design and development of system architecture, components, and modules.

2. Phases

» System Development Life Cycle

It includes phases like planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance. Every phase contributes to the overall development and management of the system.

» System Design Life Cycle

The main phases include preliminary design, detailed design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Here, the focus is on thorough planning and design to develop specifications.

3. Emphasis

» System Development Life Cycle

Provides a complete framework for the system development process. It takes care of areas other than design—user requirements, system functionality, coding, and ongoing maintenance.

» System Design Life Cycle

This is more about the design, particularly formulating detailed specifications of the system's components, architecture, and UI UX roadmap. It focuses much on the planning and structuring of the system.

4. Objective

» System Development Life Cycle

It is a process designed to support activities from conceptualization and the starting point up to the system's implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

» System Design Life Cycle

Aims at detailed design specifications and planning to form the blueprint of the development team. It involves the translation of high-level requirements into real-design elements.

5. Timeframe

» System Development Life Cycle

This process covers the entire system cycle being developed. According to the nature of the project, the timeframe may take months or years to accomplish.

» System Design Life Cycle

It includes designing in shorter time frames as part of the generic system development process.

Conclusion

A system development life cycle refers to a broad project management model that entails system or software creation, from its initial idea to its finalized deployment and maintenance.

SDLC comprises seven stages: planning, analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance. All these are necessary to produce a quality and cost-effective product in the shortest time possible.

Learning the primary methodologies of SDLC, its benefits, and its challenges enables you to establish an effective system development process with the best possible outcome.

Arramton Infotech, a web development company, knows the importance of an effective project management strategy.

Our developers and specialists have a track record of building the most innovative software solutions that perfectly fit our client's business needs and goals.

Contact us today to seek a reliable software development company that turns your concept into a quality software product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is SDLC and its phases?

Ans: The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process used to design, develop, test, and deliver a software product. It is a framework that outlines the stages of creating software, ensuring that the final product meets the required specifications and quality standards. The 7 phases of the system development life cycle are:

» Planning

» Analysis

» Design

» Development

» Testing

» Implementation

» Maintenance

Q. What are the system development life cycle models?

Ans: There are 7 popular models of SDLC:

» Agile

» Waterfall

» V-Shaped

» Iterative

» Spiral

» Big Bang Model

» RAD Model

Q. Which is the most popular model?

Ans: The Agile approach is probably the most widely used SDLC model. Hybrid models are also standard.

Q. Explain the system development life cycle innovations?

Ans: Automation tools for DevOps and AI are transforming the way developers approach SDLC. DevOps processes have also had a significant impact.