System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic approach which explicitly breaks down the work into phases that are required to implement either new or modified an existing information system. A typical Software Development Life Cycle consists of the following phases;
Planning: In planning phase ,the project’s goals and scope are clearly defined, and its feasibility is assessed. The team conducts a feasibility study to evaluate the technical, economic, and operational aspects of the project. Resources and constraints are identified, and a detailed project plan and schedule are developed to guide the project.
Analysis: This stage involves gathering and documenting the needs of the end users. Stakeholders are engaged through interviews, surveys, and workshops to capture their requirements. The existing system is analysed to identify its limitations, and both functional and non-functional requirements are documented. Detailed use cases and user stories are created to ensure a comprehensive understanding of user interactions with the system.
Designing: The design phase ,the system’s architecture and components are designed. System models and diagrams, such as data flow diagrams and entity-relationship diagrams, are developed to visually represent the system. The user interface and user experience are carefully designed, and data structures and database schemas are defined. Detailed technical specifications are prepared to guide the development process..
Implementation: This is the phase where the actual coding and development of the system take place. Developers write and test the code for various system components, ensuring they function correctly. The different components are integrated into a cohesive system, and the database is created and populated. Documentation is produced to provide a reference for the code and system features.
Maintenance: System enters the maintenance phase, where it is monitored and updated as needed. Ongoing technical support is provided to troubleshoot any issues that arise. Regular updates and patches are applied to keep the system current, and enhancements are implemented based on user feedback. Regular performance and security reviews are conducted to ensure the system remains efficient and secure.