System Development Life Cycle is a methodology to develop complex and high-quality software in limited time and cost. SDLC is the acronym for the System Development Life Cycle. It becomes impossible for the developers to develop the software without planning and a work frame. So SDLC is a roadmap for the software engineers and developers to develop the software. Structure of the SDLC defines the different phases that produce deliverable at each phase. The deliverable from one phase becomes the input for the next phase. It also defines the methodology for the improvement of the quality of the software.

SDLC is also a system development process as it contains requirements gathering or analysis, the design of the system, implementation of the system, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Different models followed by the software engineers within an organization. The most common and popular models are waterfall, incremental, agile, spiral and V-shaped model. This document is focusing on the phases of the SDLC.

1. Requirements gathering and analysis

This phase is the most crucial and important phase of the SDLC as the success of the software depends on it. In this phase requirements gathered from the clients by doing communication. Based on requirements, different surveys can be helpful to identify the exact requirements. Most experienced engineers and team members of the organization handle this phase directly. After gathering the requirements, estimation of cost, requirements for the quality assurance of the project and risk identification is also the part of this phase. System Requirement Specification commonly known as SRS is a complete document that contains these details.

2. System Design

In this phase, system specification turns into the system design. In this phase, developers of the software work on the design of the system according to the SRS defined in the previous phase. Different established patterns used for the architecture of the system. Developers may use prototype methodology as this methodology allows the developers to do prototyping, again and again, to get the best solution without wastage of the resources. With patterns, components required for the development also highlighted in this phase. These details defined in the Design Document Specification known as DDS. Stakeholders assess this document and give reviews or feedback.

3. System implementation

In this phase, actual coding of the system begins. Role of programmers begins in this phase and programmers do coding by following the Design Document Specification. Programmers select the programming language according to the nature of the system which they will develop. Coding of the system is not hectic for the programmers if the previous design specification done properly. Business stakeholders have to involve in this stage to make sure that development is on the right track. Functional testing of the system is possible after the completion of the coding.

4. System testing

This phase identifies the bugs and errors in the coding of the software. Identification of the errors is mandatory to remove these errors. Only error free software or application is deployable. Omitting the errors is not the only part of this phase but testing of the requirements is also a part of this phase. The process of testing remains continues until software meets the original requirements with defined quality standards.

5. Deployment

After the complete testing of the software, software is ready to deploy the system in the real market. Formal deployment of the system enables the end users of the software to use it and give feedback. Enhancements in the software are possible according to the feedback of the end user. For example, the software can be a web application or website of student portal information for a school. Teachers can maintain student marks to generate the result. Teachers analyze a website and conclude that they want from the web application to display marks not only in percentage but also in grade and division. Such type of enhancements is possible after the deployment.

6. Maintenance

In reality, the perfectness of the software is not possible due to different circumstances. Changes in software have to make according to the variations in the real world. Constant maintenance of the software is mandatory to ensure the proper working of the software. The software is meeting the requirements of the user or not under the current scenario. If not the software has to update to meet the needs and requirements.

Conclusion

System Development Life Cycle is the highest management control. It gives the clear vision to the stakeholders, programmers, and developers of the system to assess the all required resources. Not only the resources but all stakeholders will also be able to maintain the complete plan to meet the goals. If an organization follows the SDLC approach in an organized manner, then for sure they will meet the requirements of the software with success.