We live in an era of technology and our lives revolve around gadgets. We resort to electrical gadgets for every little chore of our lives. Now, we are moving towards becoming more software-oriented where we have algorithms do our jobs for us. However, the process of creating software is not as easy as using one. Creating software involves elaborate rules and steps to be followed, known as the Software Development Life Cycle. Every app has a set of people, tech and non-tech working on the project with SDLC to bring out convincing software.
The SDLC methodology is used in creating all types of Softwares, from agile to fully developed ones. The most widely used SDLC methodology involves six important steps, which include: planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing and integration, and maintenance.
Another process quoted as the Software testing life cycle (STLC), also works as a sub-part of the developing methodology. STLC primarily deals with only the testing process. This includes test planning, test design, execution, evaluation criteria, and closure. As the name suggests this is valid only for the testing process.
Let us look at the importance of SDLC by going through the steps of the entire cycle.
Making a Plan: This is the first stage and the most important where the idea is formed and developed into a plan. This stage is when it is decided what the project stands for, what it needs, and what it aims at. Every aspect is thought upon. The attributes that need to be added, and the ones that do not fit the long-term goals. The tangible resources and circumstances in the future. Weighing the longevity and cost-effectiveness of the product, everything is planned, analysed, and critiqued. A good plan makes the task ahead easier.
Critiquing the Plan: The plan is now put up in order to check the economic and practical viability of the product. The resources, time, and human resource requirements are categorised. The cost and profit of the project are determined. The analysis also involves risk determination, mitigation strategies, and solutions. This is also where the client’s apprehensions about the project are taken and worked upon.
Outlining the Design: This is one of the crucial stages, as here is where the experience of the users is finalised. A user interacts with the product on this, and the design needs to be as easy for them to navigate through and use. The software is built up from scratch. Keeping in mind the visual of the app to the features it should have and other ways through which it could be incorporated further.
Building on the Design: This is the longest process of the entire cycle. A stage where the codes are converted into actual codes by software developers. This is where life is pumped into the project. It is also verified on different levels. From making sure every stakeholders’ input is taken and edited till the final result is achieved. It encompasses the entire process of going through the alpha, beta, release candidate to the actual production stage.
Testing the Product: This stage is done by the Quality Assurance team. A set of tests are conducted to test the function, user interface, and system integration. This stage is to work upon the loopholes in the code and bring about proper software. They are tested for bugs, and the algorithm is made foolproof.
Implementation: This is the stage where the software is put out in the open for the public to use. This could be a long or a short process depending upon the scale of the project. This process also happens one step at a time where each change is introduced step by step.
The Final Stage: The final stage is where minute details are reviewed and changes are incorporated. It is polished, brushed, and made just perfect to start off. This stage requires more attention in the entire software product life cycle.
Questions You Should Ask The Developer
Everyone is not an expert in the software industry. This is a blooming field and you should do your prior research before you get into one. Refer to as many software development services as possible before finalising them. Be clear from all the doubts you might have.
Talk about the process of how the developer would work and their knowledge of SDLC. Review their team and ask about their coding process. Look at the things they have to offer including the different software systems they are willing to walk you through. Have an analysis of their past projects and reviews on them.
While this is a huge project, one needs to be more cautious on how one chooses the developer for their dream project. You need to ask some questions and be completely transparent with the developer to have the best results possible.
Hope this answers all the SDLC questions you had. SDLC is the entire route through which one can create software that is easy to use, work upon, and profitable. These are the processes the many software development services go through. Currently, the market has seen quite many software developers arising. However, it depends on us to choose the right one. We need to ask the right SDLC questions to the developers before finalising a software developing service.
You must have realised the importance of SDLC and their knowledge in making your dream software. Thus, every step is necessary and you need to pay close attention throughout the process. Another thing to keep in mind while you start with this is that the process is long and might be tedious to you. Be prepared, informed, and determined!
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