As a growth specialist, Veksa approaches all aspects of work from a view of growth. When a client comes to us with a software project, we follow a standard software development life cycle process. However, we also make sure we understand their overall ambitions. And work with their business plan to achieve agreed targets and forecasts. Software development is key for a growing business as it can hugely improve efficiency and productivity. For example, by automating processes, linking departments and improving reporting. In addition, it can also improve the customer journey, improve customer sign ups or the buying process. We integrate all of these aspects in the development of the software. In other words, the software development life cycle or SDLC.

The software development life cycle is intended to produce the best quality software possible, in the shortest time scale. And as cheaply as possible. Which in our world sounds a lot like a “hack”.

The Different Phases of the Software Development Cycle SDLC

The SDLC is a tried and tested framework. It is a process, which we at Veksa adhere to. As we have already referenced above, software can greatly improve efficiency within a business. First off, the software development life cycle, will look at the current set up. Specifically, it will identify where there are gaps and where it can make improvements.

Each step in the software development cycle should be approached with the company’s business plan in mind. In other words, good software should help a company to achieve its targets and strategy.

This is particularly pertinent in the next step of the cycle. That’s to say when we consider the requirements of the new software. The next phases outline the planning of the project and the actual design of the software. Once the design and the requirements have been approved, then the actual development of the software can take place. Finally, once the testing phase is complete, then the software is ready for the rollout.

A Detailed Description of Each Phase:

Different companies use variations of the software development life cycle. We will outline the broad process, which we follow at Veksa. Also, there are more distinct versions of the SDLC cycle, which are designed to cater for more specific outcomes. We are not that prescriptive here at Veksa, we will however, give some detail on the different versions, at the end of this blog.

First Phase – Planning

For the first phase of the cycle, it is important to have an overview of the overall aims and targets for the business. How can software help to achieve these goals? At this point it is also necessary to look at the existing systems and where they need improvement. This stage of the software development cycle is really about finding the best solution. For example, can you improve the current system? Or, do you need to build a whole new software system? This is the stage where you have the opportunity to explore how new software can improve practices in your office and achieve your goals.

We look at all relevant details at this point in the cycle. In other words, budget, resources, technology, time constraints, as well as any legal considerations and other operational issues. Really putting the work in, at this stage of the project, will yield results later. At Veksa we perform a SWOT analysis with all our clients, no matter what the project. The planning phase incorporates this piece of work. We look at the strengths and weaknesses right at the beginning of the project. Subsequently, we ensure the best outcome for the software.

Second Phase – Analysis

The second phase of the software development life cycle gets more specific. This is where the deliverables and milestones are set out. Clearly, it is imperative to really understand the needs of the end user. The analysis phase of the cycle will outline features which the end users need. For instance, do you need a search feature? Or a chat option? What network requirements will your new software need? It is during the analysis phase of the SDLC, where you start to look at the first prototype for the software.

Often a separate document called an SRS or software requirements specification document is produced at this stage of the cycle. In essence, an SRS document outlines the software in detail; It includes details such as, its purpose, goals, end users or target audience and features.

Third Phase – The Software Design

There is potentially some overlap here with the previous phase. That’s to say in some instances prototyping takes place in the design phase. However, this is the stage where the team set out how the software application will actually work. All the ideas and requirements of the previous phases are combined to create an actual framework or design, which can be turned into a working software system. The design will include elements such as the architecture of the software system. And what programming languages you will use. For example Java or Python. Additionally, it will look at how customers or users will interact with the software. That’s to say, the user interface. The design phase will also set out what platforms the software will work on. Such as Apple or Android.

In some instances you may present the client with more than one design option. In any case, the design will need to be signed off by the client, before the next phase begins.

Fourth Phase – Development of the Software

Once there is a design document, which the client is happy with, then the software development can begin. This is the stage where the developers turn the previous design documents into actual code. The software programmers, will decide which programming language to use, depending on system requirements. In other words, the requirements set out in the design documents.

As long as there are quality design documents to work from, this phase should be pretty straightforward for the developers.

Fifth Phase – Testing the Software

You may think, that if the design is built to the design document specifications, that is the end of the cycle. However, in reality it isn’t always that simple. The testing phase is a really important part of the process. This is where the developers look for any dreaded bugs in the software. In other words, they make sure that the code they have written performs as they expect it to. In fact, it is best to start testing as early as possible, as you go along. And to flag up any problems as early as you can. In this way you can address issues before too much money and time is spent on them. Security testing is particularly important for any software product.

Sixth Phase – Deployment of the Software

Implementation and Integration of the Software

Once the developers have thoroughly tested the system, the software is ready for deployment. Often, there is a next stage, which is known as UAT. UAT stands for user acceptance testing. During UAT or user acceptance testing, the customer also takes part in testing. As long as the customer is completely happy with the software, then full deployment can take place. The implementation and integration of the software is the culmination of lots of hard work and preparation.

Once the customer is totally happy with the software then it can go live. If all goes to plan then this phase should be seamless. The software moves from the testing phase to live phase.

Seventh and Final Phase – Software Maintenance

It would be good to think that once deployment has taken place, that is the end of the project and all will be well from then on. In actual fact though, maintenance is an ongoing phase. And will be necessary for the whole life of the software. There will also be bugs and issues, which need to be addressed on a continuous basis. It is an unfortunate fact, that often bug fixes, will cause other issues further down the line. So, constant monitoring and maintenance are necessary for software to function at optimal levels.

Overview:

So, there you have an overview of the software development life cycle or SDLC, with a description of each phase. It is a reliable and reputable process, which is used by software developers both large and small to produce the best possible software. It will ensure you stick to a budget and a time scale. As we have already stressed, any software project should be undertaken with the business’ overall strategy and goals in mind. There is no point in creating a perfect piece of software in the most systematic and structured manner, if it isn’t helping to fulfil the business plan. Amongst other things, software can help businesses by automating mundane and time consuming tasks. It can help employees to work more effectively and efficiently. Also, in can help to measure the productivity of a business, as well as facilitate a paperless office.

With proper planning and by following the software development life cycle process, you can ensure you meet all your goals in the most efficient way possible.

Software Development Life Cycle Variations

The descriptions above, of the software development life cycle phases are the ones we follow at Veksa. Along with pretty much every other reputable software company up and down the country. In addition, there are some variations on the central SDLC, which companies adopt depending on their specific needs. Furthermore, each project will be led by the needs and requirements of the client, so a little some flexibility is always necessary. Below we give a short description of some common software development life cycle methodologies.

It is worth remembering that the purpose of every software development life cycle methodology or variation, is the same. In other words to create the best, most cost effective software in the shortest time possible. It is simply, that different approaches will suit different businesses.

The Different SDLC Methodologies:

The most recognised methodologies are:

• Waterfall
• Agile
• Lean
• Spiral
• Iterative
• DevOps

Waterfall:

This methodology takes a lineal approach. That’s to say, it has a defined set of steps and it does not begin on the next step until the previous step is complete. It is one of the less flexible approaches. Also, it was the first software design life cycle methodology to be adopted. It is very prescriptive and will not suit everyone. However, it is still widely used and the notion that, problems are best addressed earlier on in the process, is still a valid one.

Agile:

The agile methodology is much more flexible than the waterfall methodology and works in smaller increments. It also relies more heavily on customer and user feedback. It makes constant changes to achieve its goals.

Lean:

This is an agile type of methodology, which is based around the release of an MVP or minimum viable product to the market and building on that basic software model. The developer will react to customer feedback by adding to the MVP depending on what the end user wants.

Spiral:

The spiral model is a combination of the waterfall and iterative models and tends to be used for more complex software projects.

Iterative:

Iterative is a type of SDLC model, which like the lean methodology, starts with a simpler version of the project and builds and enhances that initial model until the project is complete.

DevOps:

As the name suggests, the DevOps model, includes development and operations in the software development life cycle. It relies heavily on the end user and customer feedback. Consequently, the methodology involves continual changes to achieve the eventual desired outcome.

To Sum Up..

As previously stated, each methodology has its own merits and there is a style of process which will work best for every organisation.

As always, Veksa is here to help and to answer any of your questions regarding software development and the software development life cycle. Our experts can talk through any project at any stage you need help with. If you would like to speak to one of us then please click here on the link below to make an appointment.