The software lifecycle describes the process followed from the idea of a software to its maintenance and possible disposal. This process consists of different phases, each of which has a specific task. In this article, we reveal the most important phases of the software lifecycle.
What is meant by a software lifecycle?
A software lifecycle has the goal of being able to develop software that customers will later enjoy using effectively. The cycle is also used to plan the development of the software in a systematic and structured way to achieve a successful result.
It begins with the analysis of the customer’s problems and challenges and ends, at least from the customer’s point of view, with the replacement of the system with a successor product. From the manufacturer’s point of view, it ends when support and updates are discontinued or when a new, improved software product is distributed.
Depending on the model used, a software life cycle can be divided into the phases of
- Planning,
- Analysis,
- Design,
- Development,
- Testing and
- Deliver
be subdivided. There are strictly sequential models, such as the waterfall model, but also more flexible ones, such as the spiral model.
What are the phases of a software lifecycle?
Please note: The phases of the software lifecycle may vary. They depend on the method or framework that developers follow. At each stage, the software must serve a specific purpose to ensure the functionality and reliability of the software. The most common phases of the software lifecycle are:
- Planning phase: In this phase, the requirements for the software are recorded and analyzed. It is determined which functions the software should have and which goals should be achieved with it. The resources needed for the development of the software are also planned in this phase.
- Design phase: In this phase, the requirements are translated into technical specifications. It is determined how the software should be structured and which technologies and interfaces must be used for it. The first drafts for the user interface are also created during this phase.
- Design and prototyping: Here you define more precisely how the design of your software should look. This includes these sub-items:
- The user interface: that is, the way your customers work with the software and what should happen when they make certain entries.
- Programming: Which programming language (for example HTML) should be used. It is also checked here how the software should react to errors.
- Security: What measures are implemented to ensure the security of the software. This includes SSL encryption, password and data storage.
- Server communication: How to communicate with the central server.
- Hoster: What platform is used for hosting – Apple, Windows, Android or Linux.
When your software design is fixed, then you can create the prototype. This prototype gives a first idea of how a software application will later look like for customers.
It can also be used to deduce how the software will function in the interaction and what range of functions it will have. You can also incorporate feedback from your stakeholders here, as this is cheaper than making corrections later in the development phase.
- Implementation phase: In this phase, the program code is created and the software is programmed. The first test runs of the software also take place in this phase. It smoothly transitions into the test phase.
- Testing phase: In this phase, the software is thoroughly tested for functionality and reliability. Both automated and manual testing is performed to ensure that the software meets requirements. Errors found in this phase will be fixed in the implementation phase.
- Deployment phase: In this phase, the software is transferred to production. This involves installing and configuring the software. The documentation of the software is also created in this phase.
- Maintenance phase: In this phase, bugs are fixed and corrections are made in the software. It is ensured that the software continues to meet the requirements and is and remains up to date.
- Decommissioning: This is the last phase that a software goes through. Typically, this phase is followed by a tech-savvy product and the cycle begins again.
There are also other phases that can be built into the software lifecycle, such as security testing, which can be performed during development or after deployment.
Known methods for software development
There are many different phase models for software development, which can be applied differently depending on the project and the company. Some of the most popular methods are as follows:
- Waterfall: The waterfall method is a classic method for software development in which the phases of the software life cycle are run through in a linear and sequential manner. This means that each phase must be completed before the next can begin.
- Agile: The Agile method is an iterative and incremental approach to software development that focuses on flexibility and rapid adaptation to change. Work is done in short cycles (sprints) in which requirements and results are continuously reviewed and adjusted.
- Scrum: Scrum is a subtype of the Agile method used in project management and product development. It is particularly widespread in software development and IT projects. Scrum relies on close cooperation of the development team and regular exchange with the customer in order to be able to react quickly to changes.
- Kanban: Kanban is a workflow management method based on the visual representation of tasks and their progress. Kanban allows the team to track work in real time and flexibly adjust capacity.
- Lean: The lean method is based on the lean management approach and aims to minimize errors in processes and maximize efficiency. This includes the continuous improvement of processes and the avoidance of redundant work.
- DevOps: DevOps is a methodology that promotes collaboration between developers and IT teams. The goal is the fast and secure deployment of the software into production.
These are just a few of the most well-known methods for software development. There are many other methods and frameworks that can be applied depending on the project and the company.
Conclusion – Phases Software Lifecycle with NINE Brackets
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