Summary:
- Software development stages begin with planning and continue through maintenance.
- Knowing what are the main stages of software development keeps businesses updated.
- Partnering with a software development company streamlines the stages of SDLC.
With the increasing role of software in business, understanding the software development stages is important. However, it’s a surprising fact that many entrepreneurs are unaware of these critical phases. According to a report, only 29% of software projects are considered successful, while 19% are categorized as utter failures.
The Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC) is the process of structuring, planning, and implementing the tasks involved in building software. It was introduced to follow a systematic approach to software development.
Let’s take a closer look at the stages of SDLC to gain a better understanding of what software goes through before it reaches you.
What are the 7 phases of SDLC?
Software Development Life Cycle specifies the tasks that are to be done to ensure that the end product fits the business needs. Many experts agree that a well-formulated Software Development Life Cycle is the backbone of a successful software project. While the timeline of these stages may vary, SDLC generally follows the seven stages mentioned below.
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Planning
Planning is the first step in everything, just as in software development. In this stage, the team is expected to set goals for the software and draft a plan to reach them. This stage forms the basic building block of the SDLC, and the quality of the software is mainly dependent on this stage.
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Requirement Analysis
The second step is to specify the requirements to be met in the software. Software Requirement Specification (SRS) may be prepared at this stage. It includes everything needed to be created in the project cycle like system inputs and interfaces.
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Design
Designing in software development refers to the phase of giving life to the ideas in the plan. At this stage, most companies create multiple designs that cater to the requirements mentioned in SRS. Later, these designs are presented in the Design Document Specification (DDS). These are then sent to the respective stakeholders for approval.
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Development
Development is one of the most crucial stages of software development, as coding begins from here. At this stage, developers use a specific programming code based on the approved design, following the protocols set. Beyond coding, the team is expected to set a Contingency Plan that directs the client on what to do in an emergency.
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Testing
Once the software is developed, it is time to test whether the software meets the specific client requirements. Three different types of testing are done to ensure efficiency. These are security testing, user testing, and unit testing. After the testing, errors would be detected and rectified, if any. If there are no errors, developers will move on to manage how the software will integrate into the existing systems.
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Implementation
After thorough testing, the software is released in phases according to the organization’s strategies. A post-implementation review is commonly made in this stage to get proper feedback. This confirms whether the software is working successfully to meet the requirements.
If everything is right, a contract between the developer and the business organization is made.
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Maintenance
Maintenance is the final and one of the most significant steps of software development. It is the never-ending process of updating the software to fix bugs and adding new features to ensure reliability. A user-generated report may be prepared at this phase to identify any problems.
Why should your business know about SDLC?
A proper Software Development Life Cycle provides a standard structure to the software. Here are some reasons why most businesses stick to the stages of software development life cycle:
- It helps to identify the inefficiencies of the software in the development process itself and helps businesses avoid overhead costs.
- Following the SDLC speeds up the development process and minimizes the risks associated with it.
- It helps businesses estimate costs and check whether the software is within budget.
- It provides control to the business organization over the software development process to a certain extent.
- Software Development Life Cycle helps the business to serve the unique needs of its customers better and stand out in the market.
Conclusion:
Adhering strictly to the stages of software development could be daunting, but not with the right software development company on your side. An established software development company ensures the services of experts who know what it takes for a smoother transition throughout the software development stages.
Contact us now to get started with your software development process.