The acronym SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle, and it encompasses a series of structured activities aimed at creating or modifying software products. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the fundamentals of SDLC, explore various SDLC models, and examine their practical applications in the industry. This guide will also touch upon methodologies such as Agile, Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Prototyping.

What is SDLC?

At its core, SDLC is a method employed within a software organization to manage a software project effectively. It provides a detailed plan that outlines how a specific software product will be created, maintained, replaced, updated, or enhanced. The SDLC framework serves as a blueprint for improving software quality and optimizing the production process.

The SDLC Phases

The SDLC process generally consists of several distinct phases, as illustrated below:

  • Project Planning Phase

 In this initial phase, project priorities are established, and a high-level strategy is formulated. Planning is the foundation upon which the entire project rests. Key tasks in this phase include identifying the production scheme, assessing feasibility, and developing a project plan.

  • Requirement Gathering

 The requirement-gathering phase evaluates end-user business needs and translates project objectives into specific system functionalities. This stage encompasses activities like collecting business requirements, creating process flowcharts, and conducting detailed analyses. It is crucial to specify technical details, such as the technology used in system implementation.

  • Design Phase

 During this phase, the desired features and operations of the system are defined. This step encompasses establishing business rules, pseudo-codes, screen templates, and other necessary documents. The design phase involves creating the information technology infrastructure and developing the system's architecture.

  • Development Phase

 All the documents generated in the previous phase are transformed into the actual system during development. Key activities during this phase include developing the IT infrastructure, creating the database, and writing the code based on the provided specifications.

  • Testing Phase

 The testing phase involves inserting all code components into the testing environment and deploying the system. Testers execute various test cases to identify faults, glitches, and defects while ensuring the system functions as intended.

Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

Setting up a software test project involves many different tasks. Usually, software development is not as easy as "see if it works." To test the program, it takes a series of steps that are carried out. In addition to SDLC, software development also encompasses the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), which includes the following phases:

  • Requirements Analysis

 During this phase, the testing team reviews all documents and design specifications to assess what aspects of the software are testable. It may involve discussions with developers, designers, and stakeholders. The research team gets a sense of the design spectrum by studying the standards. This step could include talks with developers, designers, and stakeholders.

  • Test Planning

 Test planning involves deciding how to conduct testing, who will perform it, and the overall testing approach. A test plan document is created to ensure everyone is aligned on the testing project's process. Having reviewed the standards, it is time to prepare the test project at a high level. At this point, a document from the test plan is being produced. This process will have everybody on the same page as far as the approach to the test project is concerned.

  • Test Case Development

 In this phase, detailed test cases are developed to guide testers through each testing scenario. Test data is prepared to ensure efficient testing. When using old test cases, ensure they are up-to-date. A variety of tests will include test data, so plan to run tests during this process with the correct data so you don't have to waste time doing that during the tests.

  • Environment Setup

 The test environment, comprising software and hardware configurations, is prepared to support testing activities. This setup is crucial for a smooth testing process. Make sure that any necessary test data has been inserted into the system and is ready for use. This process usually takes place during the production phase of the test case.

  • Test Execution

 Now that the tests are ready to go and the configuration of the system, it's time to run the tests. Testers run the prepared test cases, comparing expected outcomes to actual results of each test and labeling it as pass/fail/skip. When the test fails, the testers will log any bugs encountered during testing. This process also includes the tester bugs logging in the assigned bug tracking system (determined in the step of the test plan).

  • Test Reporting

 After executing all test cases, the test manager will ensure that all the tests needed have been completed. It includes examining the observed defects and other measures, such as how many test cases passed/failed/skipped. This phase may also involve a retrospective project/process research to enhance future testing endeavors. This helps the team to learn and to build on future research ventures.

Testing is a vital part of the life cycle of software development. A company needs to conduct research in a structured way to produce reliable apps. When test cases are written, they are performed by the tester, and the predicted outcome is compared with an actual result to validate the program and ensure it is working correctly. Writing test cases and manually executing them is an intensive task for any company and can result in any business performance if properly executed.

  • Production Phase

 Following successful testing, the software moves to the production phase, where it is deployed in the client's real-world environment. This then positions all data and components in the production environment. Sometimes, this step is called the 'delivery.'

  • Supporting Phase

 The supporting phase involves ongoing maintenance, including enhancements, modifications, and updates to meet evolving business needs. This process ensures that the system continues to operate and stays updated to meet the business goals. From time to time, the device needs to be updated and upgraded so that it can adapt to future needs.

Wrapping-Up

In conclusion, SDLC and STLC are vital components of software development, ensuring the creation of reliable and effective software products. Properly executed testing, in particular, is essential for validating software functionality and performance. Embracing these structured processes is crucial for business success and meeting customer demands.

About Rang Technologies

Rang Technologies, based in New Jersey, has dedicated over a decade to delivering innovative staffing solutions and the best talent to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of the latest technologies and build high-performing teams to achieve their digital transformation goals.