Did you know that during the ENIAC and vacuum tube era, the first computer was passed through several software developments? That’s right! These developments used to consume a lot of time and resources back them. Fast-forward to today, we have the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which consists of different developmental models, technologies, and tools as a whole process.
SDLC could be a new acronym to many, but it has been there since the existence of computers. It consists of different steps and approaches with a common goal of developing software efficiently without breaking the budget. So, what is SDLC, why does it matter, and how businesses can leverage it in 2025 and beyond?
With the help of a custom software development company, let’s explore everything about SDLC to help you leverage the full potential of your next software development project.
SDLC is the process of designing, developing, and testing software products to ensure quality, performance, speed, and usability. It defines a series of steps that a software development company must follow to build engaging software solutions. The entire process aims at creating and launching digital products that meet (or exceed) customer expectations, reaching completion within timelines without breaking the budget.
In other words, a software development life cycle is a clear roadmap for software development. It includes a clear plan describing how to build, maintain, and enhance a specific software product. The SDLC process begins with a decision to build a software product and ends after launching that product.
Without proper planning, software development is like shooting in the dark - you never know what you’ll hit. Reports reveal a 268% higher failure rate for Agile software development projects. However, having project specifications in place before development begins can lead to a 50% increase in success. This is where SDLC can help you ensure that the requirements are accurate to the real-world problem.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
A well-planned software development lifecycle provides a foundational framework for all project activities like design, development, testing, and deployment. Following the right SDLC approach helps stakeholders gain visibility into the software development project from start to finish. Thus, a software development life cycle is a necessary part of any development project, be it mobile app development or website development.
Here are the ways SDLC can add value to your next software development project:
The SDLC consists of several different phases, each essential to ensure a structured approach to development, helping deliver high-quality digital solutions. Let’s walk through these phases to get an overview of the entire lifecycle of software development.
The first step of SDLC is to define a real issue you need to solve. It requires gathering all the information from the client and users, so that the development team clearly understands what they are going to build. The planning phase includes:
In this phase, a custom software development company works to understand the requirements of the project. Here, a software requirement specification (SRS) document could be produced by developers to understand every requirement for the system they intend to develop. This may include:
The design phase consists of creating the architecture, prototype, and user experience of the software product. Rapid prototyping is often used during the design phase to compare potential solutions and determine which one is best. The design team first outlines the details like:
Later, software architects and developers start designing the software. They often employ tested design patterns to address any algorithmic challenges.
This is where the real fun begins. Programmers or coders work on bringing the software idea into reality. They have to create KLOCs (lines of code) by using programming languages to ensure developer velocity and fast delivery.
Developers often launch the software in one go - using waterfall development. Otherwise, they choose to deliver it in fragments - using agile development. Once the code is ready to run, the development team shares it with the testing team for the final review.
After software development is done, the Quality Assurance (QA) team steps in and tests the software to measure its quality. The team focuses on testing the written code and reporting the bugs to the development team. The testing can be manual or automated. During this phase, the digital product may undergo different kinds of tests, such as:
After planning, developing, testing, fixing, retesting, and validating, the software now goes into the production environment phase. For an agile SDLC process, deployment means launching an MVP product. Whereas, a fully-fledged software product is launched by following the waterfall SDLC process.
Later, the support team gathers user feedback from the first users of the software. If any bugs come up during this stage, developers will fix them and roll out an improved product version.
As the market evolves, new requirements might drop with changing user requirements. Thus, your software development company will have to iterate through the entire product lifecycle to accommodate these changes. This is where maintenance is required to update the software product from time to time. A few common types of maintenance activities include:
One of the core notions of SDLC is its model, which is all about organizing the development process to help you implement it efficiently. There are several different models, each with different pros and cons. Let’s get familiar with the seven common types of SDLC models.
One of the oldest and most straightforward SDLC methodologies is the Waterfall model. It requires developers to finish one phase and then move on to the next one. Each phase relies on information from the previous phase.
This type of SDLC model is easy to handle. However, keep in mind that early delays can hinder the project timeline. Plus, it gives a little room for revisions once a stage is finished. Once done, there is no going back. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to fix issues until the SDLC gets to the maintenance stage.
Also known as the verification model, the V-shaped model is the derivative of the waterfall model. However, it is characterized by its corresponding testing stages for each software development stage.
Similar to the waterfall model, the next development stage begins only when the previous one is done. This model is best if there are no unknown requirements, since it’s still difficult to go back and make changes.
The Iterative model is based on repetitions. Instead of beginning with fully known project requirements, it implements a set of software requirements, and then tests and evaluates further requirements. A new version of the software is developed with each stage.
Developers rinse and repeat the process until the complete system is ready. The iterative model gives them a working version early in the process and makes it less expensive to implement changes. However, resources can quickly be eaten up by repeating the process.
Spiral is one of the most flexible SDLC models and takes a cue from the iterative approach. The software project passes through four different phases over and over in a “spiral” shape until completed. This results in multiple rounds of refinement, allowing for the development of a highly customized product.
In this case, user feedback can be incorporated from early on in the software project. However, the potential risk is creating a never-ending spiral for the software development project that goes on and on.
The Big Bang Model is one of the simplest SDLC models to rely on. The process starts from nothing since this model doesn’t have a defined strict process in place. It won’t require much planning and scheduling. However, it does require some funding.
Also, coding usually takes more time than other models. This type of SDLC model is ideal for small projects or academic purposes. It works out well if you don’t have specific requirements or an established release date.
This specific model is all about building a complete prototype before the software. You will need to interview customers and then develop an initial prototype that supports the basic functionality desired by the customers. Later, the customers will evaluate and provide feedback, so that you can continue working on the prototype.
When you compare this prototype to the actual software product, it will have some limited functional capabilities. This type of SDLC model is helpful when you want to get valuable feedback from users or customers.
By breaking the software product into different parts or cycles, the Agile model quickly delivers a product. It is considered a very realistic development model as it produces ongoing releases, each with incremental changes from the previous release.
The agile model of SDLC mainly emphasizes interaction, where users, developers, and testers work together throughout the project. However, this type of SDLC model depends heavily on customer interaction. Therefore, the project can head in the wrong direction if the user is not clear.
Before you embark on a custom software development journey, you need to select the right SDLC model for success. While not all models are for you, choose the one that suits your project requirements. Consider the following factors to ensure success:
First thing first, you need to assess the nature and complexity of your software development project. Assess everything from the size and scope to the expected deliverables and costs of your project.
For instance, larger projects like AI chatbots may require a more structured SDLC approach, such as the Agile model. Whereas, smaller projects like single-page websites may be able to employ a waterfall methodology.
Don’t forget to evaluate your project’s potential for change. Will requirements evolve? Is continuous feedback crucial? What about iteration? Answer these key questions before making any decision.
Choose an SDLC model that accommodates flexibility and adaptability. For instance, the agile methodology is usually recommended when it’s about flexibility. This model is able to adapt to ever-changing market demands.
While some development models are more time-intensive, others might have faster turnaround times. Thus, pick the SDLC model keeping your project timelines, budgetary constraints, and available resources in mind.
Also, you will need to consider the needs of the users and stakeholders. For instance, the waterfall approach is best if users or stakeholders require a more trustworthy system.
Lastly, your team’s expertise and collaboration dynamics play a vital role in defining which SDLC model is best for your project. As better team collaboration is key to successful development, make sure the model promotes close collaboration between different teams and stakeholders.
When selecting a model, consider the particular needs of your development team. While some developers may favor the waterfall model for its regimented approach, others might prefer the agile model for its more flexible approach.
The software development life cycle is a complex project management process that encompasses the software creation from its initial idea to its finalized deployment and maintenance. Over the years, it has evolved from the basic waterfall methodology to meet various requirements of the modern world. Please note that there is no “all-purpose” model that works well for all projects. So, it’s important to do some research before making any decision or getting in touch with a custom software development company for your next project.