What is SDLC?

Why is SDLC important?

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SDLC provides structure and control throughout the development process, helping teams deliver better results. Its main benefits include:

• Improved project management: A defined process keeps projects on track, aligned with goals, and easier to monitor. Managers can track progress, handle milestones, and maintain schedules and budgets more effectively.
• Consistent output quality: Following a standardized workflow ensures that software is developed using proven, repeatable steps, resulting in reliable, high-quality products.
• Risk mitigation: Each stage of the SDLC helps identify and address potential risks early, reducing the chance of costly mistakes later in the project.

How does SDLC work?

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SDLC consists of several structured phases that guide a project from idea to deployment and ongoing maintenance. Each phase builds on the previous one to ensure the software meets user and business needs. 

The typical SDLC framework includes 7 key phases:

Phase 1: Planning
This is where the foundation is set. Project goals, objectives, and business requirements are gathered from stakeholders, customer feedback, or market research. Teams define the project scope, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure everyone understands the project direction.

Phase 2: Feasibility analysis
The team evaluates whether the project is realistic and worth pursuing. This involves analyzing technical capabilities, estimating costs, and assessing potential risks to confirm that the project is both financially and technically feasible.

Phase 3: System design
Based on the approved business requirements, the architecture and design of the software are created. This includes defining system components, user interface design, and ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

Phase 4: Implementation
Developers begin coding according to the design specifications. The software takes shape in this phase, following established coding standards to ensure quality, performance, and maintainability.

Phase 5: Testing
The software is rigorously tested to detect and fix bugs, measure performance, and validate usability. Testing methods such as unit, integration, and system testing ensure that the product meets all functional and non-functional requirements.

Phase 6: Deployment
Once testing is complete, the software is released to users. This may start with a limited beta launch or pilot rollout. Deployment can take place in on-premise environments or cloud platforms, depending on business needs. Have a closer look at the deployment process phases we follow at Mad Devs.

Phase 7: Maintenance
After release, the software requires ongoing updates, improvements, and issue resolution. Continuous maintenance keeps the product stable, secure, and aligned with evolving user needs and business objectives.

How many SDLC models are there?

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There are several models of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), each designed to fit different project types, goals, and levels of complexity. We've highlighted seven of the most common SDLC models that organizations use today.

1. Waterfall model
   A step-by-step approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins. It's simple and easy to manage, best suited for small projects with clear, unchanging requirements. However, it's less flexible when adjustments are needed mid-project.
2. Agile model
   A flexible, iterative method focused on collaboration and customer feedback. Development happens in short cycles, or "sprints," allowing teams to adapt quickly. It encourages continuous improvement but requires strong communication and coordination.
3. Scrum model
   A structured framework within Agile that organizes work into fixed-length sprints, usually lasting two to four weeks. Each sprint delivers a potentially usable product increment. Scrum works best for complex projects that benefit from constant iteration, feedback, and cross-functional collaboration.
4. Kanban model
   Another Agile approach focused on continuous delivery and workflow visualization. Tasks are displayed on a Kanban board, helping teams manage workload and spot bottlenecks in real time. It's ideal for projects that require flexibility and continuous improvement without fixed-length iterations.
5. Iterative model
   The project is divided into small parts, and each iteration produces a working version of the software. Feedback from each cycle helps refine the next one. This model improves risk management and visibility, but can lead to rework if early mistakes aren't caught.
6. V-model (verification and validation model)
   Every development phase has a corresponding testing phase, ensuring issues are detected early. It provides strong quality control but is less suitable for projects that need frequent changes or flexibility.
7. DevOps model
   Focuses on close collaboration between development and operations teams through continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD). It improves speed, reliability, and automation but requires specialized tools and expertise.
   

Each model offers unique advantages, and the best choice depends on factors like project complexity, team size, risk tolerance, and the need for flexibility or speed.

How to choose an SDLC model for a project?

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Selecting the right SDLC model depends on your project's goals, complexity, and level of flexibility. Here are key factors to consider:

Project requirements: If requirements are clear and stable, use the Waterfall model. For evolving or uncertain requirements, Agile or Iterative models are better choices.

Project size and complexity: Small, straightforward projects fit well with Waterfall, while large or complex ones benefit from Agile, Scrum, or Iterative approaches that allow adaptability.

Flexibility and adaptability: Projects that need frequent changes should use Agile, Scrum, or Iterative models. When requirements are fixed, the Waterfall ensures predictability.

Customer involvement: If regular customer feedback is needed, go with Agile, Scrum, or Iterative models. For limited client input, Waterfall can work effectively.

Risk tolerance: High-risk or uncertain projects are better handled with Agile or Iterative models that allow continuous validation and adjustment. For predictable, low-risk environments, Waterfall ensures control and documentation.

Time constraints: Strict deadlines favor Waterfall because of its defined timeline. If flexibility is possible, Agile and Iterative models allow more room to adjust priorities.

Team expertise: Agile and Scrum work best with cross-functional, collaborative teams. Waterfall suits teams with specialized, well-defined roles.

Client approval: Projects that require ongoing client review should follow Agile or Iterative models. If client approval is only needed at the end, the Waterfall model fits better.

Regulatory compliance: For projects in highly regulated industries, Waterfall provides the documentation and traceability needed to meet compliance standards.

💡 Need help choosing and implementing the right SDLC model? Our Project Management Services help to build a development process that fits your goals, ensures transparency, and drives consistent delivery from start to finish.