Introduction to SDLC
✅ 1. What is SDLC?
📌 Definition:
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process used to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software systems. It provides a systematic approach to ensure high-quality software is delivered on time and within budget.
💡 In simple terms: SDLC is the roadmap that guides software development from start to finish.
🎯 2. Purpose and Importance of SDLC
Purpose
Why It Matters
Organize development process
Provides a clear roadmap and structure.
Improve software quality
Ensures systematic testing and validation.
Manage time and cost
Enables better planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
Reduce risks
Identifies issues early and allows mitigation.
Enhance communication among teams
Clear roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.
✅ 3. Phases of the Software Development Life Cycle
Phase
Description
Key Activities
1. Planning
Define project goals, scope, and resources.
Feasibility study, budgeting, timeline estimation.
2. Requirements Analysis
Gather and document what the system must do.
Requirements elicitation, stakeholder interviews, documentation (BRD, FRD).
3. Design
Plan how the system will be built.
Architecture design, data models, UI/UX design.
4. Development (Coding)
Actual creation of the software product.
Coding, unit testing, integration.
5. Testing
Check if software meets requirements and is defect-free.
Functional, integration, system, user acceptance testing (UAT).
6. Deployment
Release the software for use.
Go-live, rollout, installation, user training.
7. Maintenance and Support
Ongoing updates and bug fixes.
Monitoring, enhancements, patches.
✅ 4. Role of Business Analyst in SDLC
Phase
BA's Role
Planning
Help define project goals and identify stakeholders.
Requirements Analysis
Gather, analyze, and document business and system requirements.
Design
Collaborate with technical teams to ensure design aligns with requirements.
Development
Clarify requirements for developers, answer questions.
Testing
Validate test cases, participate in UAT, ensure requirements are met.
Deployment
Support change management, training, and communication.
Maintenance
Gather feedback for future improvements.
✅ 5. SDLC Models / Methodologies
Model
Description
When to Use
Waterfall
Sequential, each phase must finish before the next.
Well-defined, stable requirements.
Agile
Iterative, incremental development in sprints.
Changing requirements, need for flexibility.
Spiral
Combines iterative development with risk analysis.
High-risk, large projects needing risk control.
V-Model (Validation & Verification)
Testing activities are planned in parallel with development.
High reliability and testing focus.
Iterative
Repeated cycles of development and refinement.
Evolving requirements, gradual improvement.
DevOps
Focus on collaboration between development and operations for continuous delivery.
Continuous integration/deployment.
✅ 6. Common Tools Used in SDLC
Purpose
Tools
Requirement Management
Jira, Confluence, Trello, IBM DOORS
Design and Modeling
Lucidchart, Figma, Visio, Draw.io
Code Repositories
GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
Testing and QA
Selenium, JUnit, TestRail, Postman (API Testing)
Project Management
Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project
CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Deployment)
Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions
✅ 7. Benefits of Following SDLC
Benefit
Impact on Project
Structured approach
Reduces chaos, improves predictability.
Higher quality software
Well-tested, validated solutions.
Risk mitigation
Problems identified early.
Better communication
Clear expectations among stakeholders.
Efficient resource utilization
Optimize time, budget, and team efforts.
Improved customer satisfaction
Meeting user needs and delivering value.
✅ 8. SDLC vs Agile: What's the Difference?
Aspect
Traditional SDLC (e.g., Waterfall)
Agile SDLC
Process
Linear, sequential
Iterative, incremental
Flexibility
Rigid, difficult to change mid-project
Highly flexible, adaptive to change
Customer Involvement
Limited, mostly at start and end
Continuous feedback and involvement
Deliverables
One final product at the end
Working software in each sprint/iteration
Risk Handling
Risks identified during planning
Risks addressed throughout iterations
✅ 9. Example of SDLC in Action: Developing a Mobile Banking App
Phase
Example Activity
Planning
Identify target users, define project scope.
Requirements Analysis
Gather needs: money transfers, bill payments.
Design
Create wireframes, system architecture.
Development
Code front-end and back-end functionalities.
Testing
Test login, transactions, security.
Deployment
Launch app on App Store and Google Play.
Maintenance
Release updates, fix bugs, add new features.
✅ 10. Summary of SDLC
Aspect
Explanation
Definition
Structured process to develop software.
Key Phases
Planning, Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance.
Role of BA
Ensure solutions meet business needs at every step.
Popular Models
Waterfall, Agile, Spiral, V-Model.
Benefits
Quality, predictability, risk management.
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