Introduction to SDLC
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic process for building software with efficiency and quality. It organizes software development into stages that help manage planning, resource allocation, and quality assurance.
SDLC Core Phases
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Business Analysts gather and define project needs. |
| Feasibility Study | Managers assess resources, costs, and the viability of the project. |
| Design | System architects create high and low level designs to guide development. |
| Coding | Developers write the code following design documents. |
| Testing | QA team verifies functionality, performance, and security. |
| Deployment | The software is installed in a live environment for end users. |
| Maintenance | Ongoing updates and support for performance and bug fixes. |
1. Waterfall Model
The Waterfall Model is a sequential approach where each phase must be completed before moving to the next. It’s ideal for projects with fixed, well defined requirements.
Characteristics:
- Sequential: Moves linearly through stages without returning to prior steps.
- Document heavy: Each phase is thoroughly documented, creating a clear project timeline.
Use Cases:
- Regulatory Projects: Government or large scale projects where requirements are unlikely to change.
- Fixed Scope Projects: Projects with minimal changes and clearly defined requirements.
Example Table: Waterfall Use Case
| Scenario | Waterfall Benefits |
|---|---|
| Regulatory or government project | Clear requirements allow for sequential, structured progression. |
| Large scale, fixed scope project | Each phase is documented, reducing the risk of misunderstandings. |
2. Agile Model
The Agile Model is an iterative, incremental approach that divides the project into “sprints,” enabling teams to adapt quickly to changes and deliver value in small, workable increments.
Characteristics:
- Flexible: Emphasizes flexibility and adaptation with regular feedback.
- Sprint Based: Short, repeatable cycles that produce a functional product increment.
Use Cases:
- SaaS Platforms: Continuous updates allow adaptation to changing user needs.
- Projects with Evolving Scope: Agile accommodates changes easily within each sprint.
Real World Example Table: Agile for SaaS Development
| Scenario | Agile Benefits |
|---|---|
| SaaS platforms needing updates | Frequent updates allow for continuous adaptation to user needs. |
| Projects with evolving scope | Flexibility in sprints helps accommodate changing requirements. |
Example Sprint Backlog:
### Sprint 3 Goals:
- Feature: Implement User Authentication (Estimation: 8 hours)
- Improvement: Add input validation for forms (Estimation: 4 hours)
- Bugfix: Resolve mobile responsiveness issues (Estimation: 2 hours)
3. V&V (Verification and Validation) Model
The V&V Model is highly focused on quality assurance. Verification ensures the product meets specifications, and validation ensures the product fulfills the intended use.
Characteristics:
- Rigorous Testing: Focuses on strict testing and verification at each phase.
- Compliance Driven: Suitable for industries requiring high accuracy and regulatory adherence.
Use Cases:
- Healthcare Software: Stringent requirements for accuracy and compliance.
- Finance Applications: High risk environments where consistent validation is essential.
Example Table: V&V for High Compliance Needs
| Scenario | V&V Benefits |
|---|---|
| Healthcare or finance applications | Ensures adherence to strict quality and compliance requirements. |
| High risk industries | Continuous verification and validation improve product reliability. |
4. Spiral Model
The Spiral Model combines iterative development with a focus on risk assessment, allowing flexibility and risk management for complex projects. It divides the project into small parts, each following a cycle of planning, risk analysis, development, and evaluation.
Characteristics:
- Risk Driven: Each iteration includes risk assessment and mitigation.
- Adaptive: Allows for iterative refinements, making it suitable for large, complex projects.
Use Cases:
- Enterprise Applications: Large scale projects with multiple dependencies and changing requirements.
- Projects with High Uncertainty: Projects where requirements and risks may evolve.
Example Table: Spiral for Large Scale, Risky Projects
| Scenario | Spiral Benefits |
|---|---|
| Complex enterprise applications | Risk analysis in each iteration helps address project challenges. |
| Projects with changing needs | Iterative cycles provide adaptability and refinement opportunities. |
Summary
Each SDLC model serves different project types, and understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the most effective one for your needs. Choosing the right model maximizes efficiency, quality, and adaptability.
In the upcoming posts, we’ll explore other models that provide custom workflows, like Prototype and Hybrid SDLC, and dive into quality assurance frameworks for the SDLC.
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