Here in this article we’ll discuss about Software Development Life Cycle. Answering What, Why and Where.
What is Software Development Life Cycle?
Software Development Life Cycle is the systematic and structured process for planning, creating, testing, deploying, and maintaining software applications or systems. SDLC provides a structured outline for developing a software ensuring that stakeholders and developers align the project requirement.
Where do we need Software Development Life Cycle? (Applications)
Software Development Life Cycle has it’s application in various fields such as,
Big Projects: For projects that are extensive in scale and complexity, SDLC provides a structured framework that ensures all aspects of the project are considered and addressed.
Critical Projects: For applications where failure can have severe consequences (e.g., aerospace, healthcare, finance), SDLC ensures thorough planning, testing, and documentation.
When Clear Requirements are Available: SDLC works best when there’s a clear understanding of the project’s requirements from the starting.
New Software Development: When creating a new software product from scratch, SDLC provides a roadmap from conception to deployment.
Where is Software Development Life Cycle not required? (Disadvantages)
While SDLC is a valuable tool to follow, there are some scenarios where it’s better in avoiding SDLC.
Small Projects: For very small projects or personal project, the full SDLC might be extravagant and can add unnecessary overhead.
Rapid Prototyping: While building a quick prototype to validate an idea or concept, the structured approach of SDLC might be too slow.
Uncertain Environments: In environments where requirements change frequently and rapidly, the rigidity of some SDLC models might not be suitable.
Short-term Solutions: For software solutions that are meant to be temporary or have a very short lifespan, the full SDLC might not be necessary.
Why do we need Software Development Life Cycle? (Advantages)
Software Development Life Cycle has various advantages some of them are discussed below,
Structured Approach: SDLC offers a systematic methodology, ensuring that all stages of software development are addressed, leading to a more predictable outcome.
Risk Management: SDLC allows early identification and mitigation of risks, ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they result in critical issue.
Quality Assurance: The rigorous testing and validation phases in SDLC ensure that the software meets quality standards and user requirements.
Stakeholder’s Satisfaction: SDLC involves regular feedback and meetings with stakeholders, ensuring the software meets with stakeholder’s needs and their business objectives.
Documentation: SDLC emphasizes thorough documentation, which is invaluable for future maintenance, re-designing, and iterations.
Why we don’t need Software Development Life Cycle? (Disadvantages)
Just as a coin has it’s head and tail, SDLC has it’s why do and why don’t. We discuss about why don’t below in this article,
Flexibility: Sometimes in some cases, structures development methodology might not be the best fit for projects that need flexibility and adaptive approach.
Expensive: For smaller projects and start-ups implementing SDLC would not be the best practice for good profit.
Speed: For projects where speed is a priority, going through all the phases of SDLC might be time consuming.
Creative Freedom: Experimental projects might not need the rigorous practice of SDLC.