What is the SDLC (and what to expect as a business owner)?

The SDLC is a framework that outlines the different steps of making software, from the idea to the final product. Here's a look at the different stages of the SDLC and what you can expect as a business owner.

What is the SDLC (and what to expect as a business owner)?
Photo by Markus Spiske / Unsplash

As a business owner, knowing about the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) can help you run your software projects better and make them more successful.

The SDLC is a framework that outlines the different steps of making software, from the idea to the final product. Here's a look at the different stages of the SDLC and what you can expect as a business owner.

Analysis of Needs and Planning

The SDLC starts with requirement analysis, which is where the project's goals, scope, and functional requirements are set. As the owner of a business, you should work closely with stakeholders and the development team to define the project's goals, audience, and features. This step is very important because it sets the groundwork for the whole project.

Design

The design phase starts after the requirements are set. During this stage, the development team makes a plan for the software that shows how the system will work, how the user interface will look, and how the database will be set up. As a business owner, it's important to look over the design and give your approval to make sure it fits with your goals and expectations for the project.

Development

During the development phase, the software is actually coded and programmed. The development team takes the design specifications and turns them into code that works. They then make the software parts and put them together to make a whole system. As the owner of a business, you should keep in touch with the development team and know how things are going.

Testing

Before the software is released, it goes through a lot of testing to make sure it meets the quality standards and works as it should. As a business owner, you should expect to hear about the testing process on a regular basis and be ready to give feedback on any problems that come up.

Deployment

After the software has been tested and approved, it moves into the deployment phase. During this stage, the software is made available to end users. This can be done in stages or all at once. As the owner of a business, it's important to work with the development team to make a deployment plan and make sure that any infrastructure and support systems that are needed are in place.

Help and Maintenance

Maintenance and support is the last step in the SDLC. This is where the software is updated, bugs are fixed, and new features are added based on user feedback and changing needs. As a business owner, you should plan to spend money on this phase to make sure that your software continues to work, is safe, and meets the needs of your users.

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Conclusion

If you understand the Software Development Life Cycle, you can better manage software projects and make sure they are successful. By knowing what to expect at each stage of the SDLC, you can better allocate resources, make smart decisions, and work with your development team to reach your project goals.

Always keep in mind that clear expectations and open communication are two of the most important parts of a successful software development project.

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