Research about SDLC, discussing it's methodology, benefits and key stages. Comment on activities you have conducted during your website development that correlates with the stages

 I. Definition

 Software Development Life Cycle ( SDLC )  is a theoretical concept which describes the steps taken during the software life cycle. This is a structured process with the purpose of creating superior software, at a low production cost and in the shortest time. SDLC describes each stage of the project starting with research of the initial idea ending with the final software product. Its structure can be applied on non technological concepts also (Gillis, 2019). 

II. Methodology

Original method of SDLC was the Waterfall model however, projects become more elaborated and sophisticated and this encouraged the development of new SDLC methods. 

• RAD or Rapid Application Development
• JAD or Joint Application Development
• the fountain model
• the spiral model
• build and fix
• Agile software development 

The above model are used individual based on the project requirements however it is common use a combination of various SDLC models (Gillies, 2019). 

III. Importance

Using SDLC model in the development of a project could provide numerous advantages. It offers developers a clear idea of the project, it aids with cost and time estimation, reduces the cost of production. SDLC it is flexible and therefore in case of unforeseen setback or obstacle a rewind of steps it is allowed. This model will benefit the development managers theme because it offers visibility for all included parties, it has defined goals and purposes, facilitates tracking and control of the project easier and overall it reduces estimated costs (Synopsys, 2022).  

IV. Architecture of SDLC

SDLC has the following stages:

1. Analysis

In this step client requirements are identified or the existing system is analysed and negative aspects are identified. 

2. Defining requirements

During this stage the management team gather customer requirements and create a plan. Risk assessments are conducted related with the project. When all the research is concluded the Software Requirement Specification document is released which includes the requirements of the product. This document is shared with the customer for  further feedback.

3.  Design

In this stage the development team create a plan which refers to aspects of the product namely operating system, hardware,  programming and its construction.

4. Development

In this stage the product code is created and the components and programs will be installed.

5. Testing

Developers run various form of tests related to functionality, reliability making sure that requirements are achieved. This phase will discover any potential bugs in the software.

6. Deployment

When the testing phase is concluded the deployment phase begins. The software is released or incorporated into an existing system.

7. Maintenance 

This stage  defines the hardware and software maintenance of the product ( JavaPoint, 2022).  

I adopted this concept in the creation of my website. After I decided on an idea the planning and wireframing of the website commenced. My project involved discussions with my customer to identify their requirements. An agreement on the project design had been achieved with my customer and the product development started. Currently my website is in the development stage where features and attributed are being added and testing is done simultaneously. On the project completion a meeting with my customer will be required to discuss deployment and maintenance options. 

References

Gillis, 2019. What is Systems Development Life Cycle? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] SearchSoftwareQuality. Available at: <https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/systems-development-life-cycle> [Accessed 31 August 2022].

JavaPoint, 2022. SDLC - Software Development Life Cycle - javatpoint. [online] www.javatpoint.com. Available at: <https://www.javatpoint.com/software-engineering-software-development-life-cycle> [Accessed 31 August 2022].

Synopsys, 2022. What Is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and How Does It Work? | Synopsys. [online] Synopsys.com. Available at: <https://www.synopsys.com/glossary/what-is-sdlc.html#:~:text=The%20Software%20Development%20Life%20Cycle%20(SDLC)%20is%20a%20structured%20process,all%20customer%20expectations%20and%20demands.> [Accessed 31 August 2022].