Overview

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process for delivering quality information systems on time and within budget. This topic reviews popular SDLC methodologies—waterfall, agile, RAD—and explains the core phases from feasibility to post‑implementation.

Key Concepts and Phases

• Feasibility Study: Technical, economic, legal, and schedule viability.
• Analysis: Requirements gathering, use‑case modeling, and user stories.
• Design: Logical & physical design, data models, UI wireframes.
• Implementation: Coding, unit testing, system integration.
• Conversion Strategies: Parallel, pilot, phased, and direct‑cutover.
• Maintenance: Corrective, adaptive, perfective, and preventive updates.
• Methodologies: Waterfall (linear), Prototyping, RAD, JAD, Agile/Scrum, Spiral.
• Tools: CASE, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, documentation generators.

Step-by-Step Example

Scenario: A startup needs a mobile app MVP ready in three months. Which SDLC approach is most suitable and how should the phases be adapted?

Step 1: Choose an Agile methodology (Scrum) to accommodate evolving requirements and deliver incremental value.

Step 2: Conduct a brief sprint‑0 feasibility and high‑level backlog creation.

Step 3: Run three two‑week sprints covering analysis, design, coding, and testing in each cycle.

Step 4: Use a pilot conversion by releasing the app to a limited beta group before full launch.

Final Answer: An agile Scrum approach—with short, iterative sprints and a pilot rollout—meets the aggressive timeline while allowing continuous stakeholder feedback.

Quick Tip