Importance Of SDLC In Software Development - Explained

The importance of SDLC in software development is quite significant. Without any doubt, software development is the backbone of building software effectively and efficiently. It's a perfect model for any developer to build software because it helps to create high-quality, secure, and well-planned software. 

Every project owner wants the best output for their project, and using the SDLC model, all project holders gain the maximum visibility into the project from start to finish.

On the other hand, it's a complete, systematic process of developing software that includes planning, designing, testing, and more. 

In this blog, we will explain the total benefits of the software development life cycle and why it's essential for the business. 

So, let's start and bounce.

What Is SDLC -Discuss The Basics 

SDLC, or software development lifecycle, is the cost-effective and time-efficient process the development team uses to build high-quality software. But how does SDLC work? It's a total combination of 

• Planning 
• Requirements Analysis 
• Design 
• Implementation (Coding)
• Testing 
• Deployment
• Maintenance

The ultimate goal of any SDLC project is to minimise the project risk and maintain the client or customer expectations during production and beyond. We will discuss all the benefits later, but apart from that, the role of SDLC in software development is quite significant:

• Increased the visibility 
• Meet the client's expectation 
• Efficient estimation, planning, and scheduling
• Increase the risk management 
• Cost minimisation of the project 
• Secure and systematic software delivery 

What Is The Most Important Phase Of SDLC

SDLC is the combination of many phases. There are mainly seven phases in the software development life cycle. All of those phases have different roles for effectively designing the software, maintaining quality, and completing the project before the deadline. Research done by the Standish Groups found that 66% of software projects fail because of the lack of proper requirements and proper planning.

However, requirement gathering and analysis are the most important parts of any software development life cycle project. If the requirements and plan are not properly maintained, no development team can give the exact solution that a client wants. For that, you need to focus more on the requirement gathering and analysis phases for your custom software development project.

Why Is SDLC The Best Option

If you are worried about the budget and want the best-in-class type software, then SDLC might be the option. There are several types of models in the SDLC. Each type has several advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one is a challenge. It also depends on the requirements and budget of your project. Without any doubt, a proper plan and the proper strategy can give the best output for any software development project. Before choosing any other model in particular, please consider the following 

• The size of the project 
• Requirements 
• Deadline and budget of the project 
• The ultimate goal of the project 
• Testing and maintenance 

In the next sections, let's check some of the best software development lifecycle models.

Types Of SDLC Methodologies - Total Breakdown 

A question comes up in the mind, What are SDLC models? If we properly research the market, there are more than 50 types of SDLC models. However, all seven types of SDLC models are functional and mainly used. Includes :

Different sdlc model

• Waterfall 
• V-shaped 
• Agile 
• Lean 
• Iterative 
• Spiral 
• Big Bang

Let's check all those models individually and learn which one is suitable for which project.

1. Waterfall Model 

It was introduced in 1970, and it's the old one. This model is pretty formal and is also known as the linear-sequential lifecycle model. Somewhere, it is called the best SDLC methodology for the software development lifecycle. This waterfall model has five main stages, like 

• Requirement collection 
• Design 
• Implementation 
• Testing and product verification
• Support and regular maintenance 

It works like this: Once one of the phases is complete, another one starts. So it depends on the previous face work. If the previous phrase is not done, it's not forwarded to the next one. 

Check some of the benefits of this model 

• Simple to explain (both to clients and full stack developers).
• Stages of development that are clearly defined
• Simple and effective planning
• Completion of each phase one by one
• Easily fixable and finable Errors 
• Well documented

Ideal for

• Consistent requirements
• Products with a distinct vision
• Rapid advancement

When to use Waterfall

• Simple or small projects 
• Sensitive to rules and regulations 

2. V- shaped

V- Shaped model (Verification & Validation), also known as the validation model. It's also recommended as the best SDLC model after the Waterfall model. After the coding and implementation are done, then this model will be performed. Early test planning is quite common for this type of model. Every development process in this model has a continuous testing process that helps verify and validate each step before moving on to the next one. But remember, the linear structure of this model makes it less flexible than other models.

Stage of this model 

• Requirement collection and testing 
• System analysis and testing 
• Software design and testing 
• Module design and testing 
• Coding and design
• Maintenance 

Benefits:

• Easy to use
• Requirements that are clearly defined
• Better results as a result of early testing
• The stage has been validated.
• Bug removal 
• Regular progress tracking

When to use the V-model

• Clear requirements and deadlines
• Quality-sensitive projects that do not accept failures and/or downtimes
• Small and/or medium projects.

3. Agile Model 

SDLC agile model is also known as the Incremental and iterative model. This model starts with planning and ends with deployment, so it's pretty much the same as the waterfall model. This model is suitable for business-related projects because the business project requirements are always changing. It works in a continuous development process. 

Each cycle of the project has incremental software changes.

Stage of this model 

• Planning
• Requirements Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment

Benefits of this project :

• Rapid growth
• High-caliber and quantifiable outcomes
• Business value is deliverable and quickly demonstrated
• A minimal amount of resources 
• Flexible in response 

When to use this project 

• Large-scale projects
• Projects based on microservices

4. Lean

Lean is another software development lifecycle model type. This type is used to reduce the defect level and minimise the cost of the project. After finishing every phrase, they focus on eliminating the waste of that particular phase. In particular, the waste may include excessive code, non-effective processes, quality issues, and even bureaucracy.

Lean has seven principles like 

• Eliminate the waste 
• Maintain build quality 
• Disciplined and focused on the project 
• Defer commitment 
• Fast delivery project 
• A healthy communication pattern 
• Optimize the whole process for better output 

The benefits of this individual model 

• Enhanced collaboration
• Continuous improvement of the product
• Great efficiency and flexibility
• High quality of the delivered product

When to use this model 

• That project has a stretchable deadline and budget 
• Constant communication with people and stakeholders 

5. Iterative Model 

In this model, all the work starts with a small goal. After the project work, continuous upgrades are required, and upgrading according to the project. Each circle is upgraded with the new specifications, and in the final stage, it shows the total model of the software. All the development process goes through 

• Requirements
• Design 
• Implementation
• Testing 
• Maintenance 

The iterative process begins with a basic implementation of a subset of the software requirements and gradually enhances the evolving versions until the complete system is implemented.

So, it starts with the simple implementation of a subset of the software requirements and then iteratively improves the evolving versions. This process goes on until the full system is implemented.

Benefits of this model 

• It's more flexible than the V model and the waterfall model 
• Easy change management process 
• Development consistently 

When to use this Interactive model 

• A large-scale project 
• It's also project-based, like micro-based 

6. Spiral Model 

The spiral model software development is mainly known for its risk management or risk handling. In this model, development repeats in a spiral over time. Before the deployment process, some of the standard processes repeat multiple times. The process like 

• Planning
• Resource 
• Risk analysis 
• Development 

Industriously, it's the perfect model for complex projects with continuously changing requirements.

Importance of SDLC in software engineering

• Balancing the risk management 
• Flexibility 
• Client engagement and satisfaction 
• Adaptability to the changing requirements 

When to use this model 

• A large-scale project 

7.  Big Bang

In short, this model starts with nothing—no plan, no requirement. Before picking this model, remember that it is high-risk, and you have to maintain it properly. This model is perfect for projects where the parameters are self-explanatory. 

Benefits of this model 

• It's simple 
• No preparation is required 
• Easily controlled 
• Limited resources to start 
• Easily adaptable for programmers 

Who are the users of this model 

• Small projects like this are limited in the first stage; they are welcome to use this model.

What do you think after getting all those little ideas for each model? Which one is the best for your software project? For that, you need a sharp idea of the project requirements, budget, and goals. However, the importance of SDLC in software development process is quite significant. 

Top 7 Importance Of SDLC In Software Development 

SDLC is not just a framework, it's a path for project success. Let's check why is sdlc important and the importance of SDLC in software development.

A Systematic Approach In Development 

Software development is undoubtedly complex and time-consuming work. So, you need to focus on lots of things before proceeding to the development stage. Sometimes wrong decisions or wrong steps can fail the project. However, if you follow the SDLC method, the entire work is done well and systematically. As we mentioned earlier, it includes a lot of stages. All those stages maintain a structure and a planned development process. Traditionally, security testing is a separate process and it's also done by another department.

But in SDLC software implementations, DevSecOps practices and conducting security assessments during the entire SDLC process. As a result, your software development projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required specifications.

This systematic approach in SDLC ensures that the total life cycle is efficient and effective.

Improve The Product Quality 

The product's quality is really important to the buyer or customer. After developing the process and when the software goes live, its quality plays a significant role. If the software quality is good and maintains advanced modules with no bugs, then there is no way a customer can not purchase it. Undoubtedly, a good product is always a top choice for the buyer list. 

With the help of SDLC, you can detect any bugs or defects in the early stage. Because of the SDLC development stage, there is a lot of bug testing process. In this stage, developers easily find errors and bugs so that, in the final stage, the product does not face any tasting failure.

Best Practice For Managing the Project

Using the SDLC model is really helpful for handling the overall project quite easily. Before starting the project, you can clarify the scope, objective and goals. With an SDLC, you can clarify the following:

• Clear project scope 
• Detailed Requirement analysis 
• Structure development methodology
• Continues monitoring and maintenance 
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

With the help of the SDLC, software engineer developers easily learn the roadmap, project requirements, and project setbacks and complete their work in a timely manner. 

On the other hand, this model's stakeholders also benefited. They can easily define the business goal, make accurate resource allocations, manage risk, and minimise costs. This leads to project success and ensures ROI and profitability—a win-win situation for both sides that maintains a healthy project management partner program. 

Proper Risk Management 

A proper risk management can reduce the overall risk of the project. 70% projects fail due to the lack of a plan for risk management. But if you follow the SDLC model for your software development project, then it can reduce the risk management for your project. The benefits of software development life cycle are many, risk management is one of those. 

Risk management should be done with proper planning and practice of different testing methods during every software development life cycle. SDLC model follows a solid maintenance process like :

• Continuous monitoring
• Risk assessment 
• Proactive mitigation strategies
• Documentation & Reporting
• Categorization and Prioritization

So the developer can quickly address this defect and minimise the impact of unforeseen obstacles. As a result, it can make informed decisions to mitigate risks effectively.

Solid Communication And Collaborations

The waterfall and Iterative models follow a step-by-step process. So, if the present stage is not complete, the model doesn't allow the next stage. In this stage, continuous collaboration is happening with stakeholders, developers, project managers, and designers. It's a good sign and ensures that everyone is in the same stage and knows the current state of the project. 

We already know that proper communication and collaboration can change the game of any business. It also improves the employee engagement and improves the overall productivity of the project.

Minimise The Project Cost 

We already know that project cost is the main concern of many businessmen. Sometimes, the fixed budget is not enough. Some unwanted cost comes up. Sometimes, a software development stage is up and down. In that case, the cost out of nowhere increased. Although this SDLC is a solid, systematic, and plan-wise, follow the model. Documentation created throughout each stage of the SDLC can be used to decrease bloat and keep projects on task and budget. Unwanted and hidden cost is not allowed. Other than that, the importance of the SDLC in software industry has also made an impact in the industry. Proper Management can reduce the overall cost and save valuable time for the custom software company and the software developer.

Improve The Customer Satisfaction 

We all know that customer satisfaction is the ultimate achievement of any project. If the customer is happy to use that particular product, you are also happy. SDLC ensures that the final product meets the customer’s expectations and requirements. On the other hand, you can also get feedback from them during the software or website development stage. If they face any issues, then change it according to their suggestions. 

Remember, customer satisfaction is the key to success.

After learning the importance of SDLC in software development, it's time to choose the best SDLC model.

How To Choose The Best SDLC Model

Choosing the best model is a tough job for sure, but if you really want to find an answer, then this part might give you the solution. Each of these models has its advantages and disadvantages. But which SDLC model is best and why? We get all the answers. Apart from that, check some of the considerations below to choose the best one. 

Before that, some criteria are needed to choose the best SDLC model 

• The project timeframe is essential when choosing the model.
• The condition of the project varies for the selected SDLC model 
• Project size 
• Complexity of the project 
• Skill of the developer 
• Project scope and purpose 
• Programming language selection