What is Software Development Life Cycle and SDLC Methodologies?

SDLC methodologies are the strategic processes and practices software development teams use to effectively run the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Rather than listing every obscure SDLC methodology out there, let’s clarify what SDLC methodologies really are. Many online articles provide a long list of methodologies, along with brief explanations to help you “choose” the right one for your project. While this may seem straightforward, it doesn’t reflect how Software Development Life Cycle methodologies are actually applied in professional software development.

Today, most legacy SDLC methodologies aren’t even part of university or bootcamp curricula, where the focus has shifted toward Agile system development like Scrum and Kanban. Although SDLC methodologies have evolved over time, classics like Waterfall are now largely obsolete, remembered mainly for their role in paving the way for Agile.

Currently, Agile dominates as the preferred SDLC methodology for professional software teams, with its frameworks, like Scrum and Kanban, extending its principles beyond software development itself. To understand the evolution of Software Development Life Cycle methodologies, it’s useful to view them chronologically. While many methodologies have been tried, only Agile and its frameworks have maintained relevance. In fact, we may now be in a “post-Agile” era.

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a method for managing software development. It divides the process into stages with specific deliverables and outcomes. This structure improves planning, aligns teams, and reduces the risks of missed deadlines or scope creep. SDLC sets clear objectives and expectations for all stakeholders. It reduces misunderstandings as development progresses by agreeing on software requirements and goals upfront.

SDLC enhances stakeholder visibility, providing a transparent view of the development process, enabling open communication, alignment of expectations, and reducing surprises.

SDLC improves planning and scheduling by accurately estimating resources, timelines, and costs, allowing project managers to allocate resources effectively and set realistic deadlines.

SDLC provides a clear roadmap for risk management and cost control, enabling early identification and resolution of potential issues and facilitating accurate cost estimation and budget planning.

The SDLC enhances software delivery consistency and quality by following defined processes, resulting in fewer defects, improved performance, and customer satisfaction.

SDLC is a structured software development approach that manages complexity, mitigates risks, and enhances team collaboration, ensuring high-quality software that aligns with business goals and stakeholder expectations.

The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured methodology used by software developers, engineers, and IT professionals to design, develop, test, and deploy software systems. Each phase of the SDLC plays a critical role in ensuring the software is high-quality, reliable, cost-effective, and aligned with stakeholder requirements.

1. Planning and Feasibility Analysis
2. Requirements Analysis
3. System Design and Prototyping
4. Software Development
5. Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)
6. Implementation and Integration
7. Operations and Maintenance

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these stages.

Stage 1: Planning and Feasibility Analysis

This foundational phase defines the project’s direction by assessing its purpose and practicality.

• Problem Identification: Define the issue the software aims to address.
• Goal Definition: Establish measurable objectives to guide the project.
• Stakeholder Consultation: Collaborate with clients, users, and management to gather input.
• Feasibility Study:
  • Technical Feasibility: Can the system be built with available technology?
  • Operational Feasibility: Will it function effectively in the desired environment?
  • Economic Feasibility: Is the project financially justifiable?

Output: A high-level project plan including estimated timeline, budget, and resources.

Stage 2: Requirements Analysis

In this phase, developers and analysts gather detailed system requirements to ensure alignment with stakeholder needs.

• Requirement Gathering: Conduct interviews, surveys, and research.
• Use Case Definition: Map out system-user interactions and behavior.
• Software Requirements Specification (SRS): A detailed document that outlines technical, hardware, software, and user requirements.

Stage 3: System Design and Prototyping

This stage translates the requirements into technical specifications and early visuals.

• High-Level Design (HLD): Define architecture, data flow, and tech stack.
• Low-Level Design (LLD): Specify modules, interfaces, databases, and UI details.
• Prototyping: Create mockups or wireframes for early feedback.

Output: A Design Document Specification (DDS) used by developers during implementation.

Stage 4: Software Development

This is where actual coding begins, based on the design specifications.

• Coding: Developers write code using selected programming languages and frameworks.
• Version Control: Tools like Git are used for collaboration and tracking changes.
• Development Standards: Follow best practices and coding conventions.
• Use of Tools: IDEs, compilers, debuggers, and security scanners like SAST ensure quality.

Stage 5: Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)

Software testing ensures the product is functional, secure, and meets the original requirements.

• Unit Testing: Test individual software modules.
• Integration Testing: Ensure combined components work seamlessly.
• System Testing: Evaluate the full system in a controlled environment.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Final testing by end-users.
• Regression Testing: Ensure new updates do not break existing functionality.

Stage 6: Implementation and Integration

Once testing is complete, the software is deployed in a production environment and integrated with other systems.

• System Installation: Deploy software to live servers or user machines.
• Data Migration: Transfer data from legacy systems to the new one.
• Configuration: Set up roles, permissions, and preferences.
• Pilot Testing: Soft launch to a limited group of users before full release.

Stage 7: Operations and Maintenance

After deployment, ongoing maintenance keeps the software secure, efficient, and up to date.

• Bug Fixes: Address post-launch issues and errors.
• Performance Monitoring: Track performance and identify bottlenecks.
• Feature Enhancements: Add features based on evolving business needs.
• Security Updates: Patch vulnerabilities and protect user data.
• Support & Documentation: Maintain help resources and train support teams.

The SDLC provides a clear roadmap for developing robust, scalable, and reliable software solutions, ensuring alignment with user expectations and business objectives throughout the product lifecycle.

Now we talk about the best top 7 types of software development methodologies that can help in your project. We discuss the detailed information for each methodology to help you choose the right one for your specific project needs.

The Waterfall life cycle model is one of the first Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies and it follows a linear, out-in-a-row strategy. In order to move to the next phase of the project, the current one must be finished. Each of the phases is then based on the information worked out in the previous.

Agile system development is a widely used method that is known for its quickness and flexibility. It consists of finishing tasks in short periods, mostly two weeks, which makes it possible for the software development team to perform the product testing and refining continuously, in this way, they can work on small and easy-to-handle increments. This repetition process commonly known as "fast failure" permits easy modification depending on the results of the testing and feedback, which is a huge plus for coping with changes. Agile is not only a methodology but also a mindset that can be applied to projects outside the software industry because it allows for frequent changes and adaptations.

One of the most flexible SDLC models is the spiral model, which is extensively used by the leading software companies to build highly customized products. This approach uses a design approach to the product where the team of developers in the project comes through four main phases: planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation in repeated cycles until the project is complete.

The V-Model, also known as the Verification and Validation model, is a structured SDLC Methodology resembling the Waterfall life cycle model, with a major distinction: testing is done at each stage of the development rather than only at the endpoint. In the V-Model, every stage starts only after the overhead stage has been completed.

The Iterative model is a software development model that traces the repetition of a process and stems from incremental development. Rather than defining all the transactional details at the start, development teams construct the software in stages, and they build it up and broaden it with each cycle. Each iteration results in a new version of the software with added functionalities and fewer shortcomings.

DevOps which is employed by Atlassian - huge companies, is a collaborative SDLC methodology. DevOps, the offspring of Agile and Lean, was designed to foster cooperation between development and operations teams. Both the developers and operators work together closely via this method which helps speed up and enhance the software development and deployment process through small, often releases. DevOps makes use of continuous feedback, process optimization, and automation of tasks that have usually been manual.

The Lean methodology focuses on discarding needless things, making choices at the latest responsible moment, serving results quickly, and at the same time, maintaining the larger picture. Teams who use the Lean model review each part of the SDLC and remove redundant jobs — such as multiple meetings or documentation — thus, the development process is improved.

As highlighted throughout this article, there are various SDLC models to choose from. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each model has strengths and weaknesses. You must weigh these against your product, team, and organization's unique traits.

Many will quickly argue that Agile is the best for every situation. It’s important to consider if it's the best choice for your needs.

To understand why Agile emerged, it is helpful to look at the history of its development. The industry introduced Agile methodologies as a response to the issues with traditional development approaches, which often included:

• Excessive bureaucracy
• Overly detailed documentation that became outdated and went unread.
• Insufficient collaboration with customers, sponsors, or stakeholders.
• Feedback cycles that were too long.

To address these challenges, agile methodologies are the right option. They promote lightweight processes, continuous collaboration with stakeholders, shorter feedback loops, and frequent iterations. They focus on delivering working software in regular, small increments. They avoid relying on comprehensive, formal documentation.

Choosing the right development team is more important than choosing the Right SDLC methodology. The development team's expertise and experience will greatly impact the success of the project, as they will be responsible for executing the chosen SDLC methodology. You need to make sure they have the right skills, can communicate well, and fit in with the culture of your organization.

An 15+ Experienced Software Development Company like Elightwalk Technology can provide a team of skilled professionals. Their experience can help you get past any problems that come up during the software development process, making sure that the project is finished in a way that is both smooth and effective.

Contact us to learn more about which software development life cycle is best for your project's successful result. We guide you with the necessary path of development with the experienced developers and project manager team.