What is software development lifecycle (SDLC)?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic process that outlines the stages involved in creating, maintaining, and updating software applications or systems. The primary goal of SDLC is to produce high-quality software that meets the needs of users and stakeholders while ensuring efficient use of resources and time.
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7 Universal Steps of SDLC Process:

1. Requirement Gathering and Brainstorming:
This phase involves gathering and understanding the requirements of the software from various stakeholders, including clients, users, and business analysts. The goal is to define the software's purpose, features, functionalities, and constraints.

2. Planning & Analysis:
In this phase, the project's scope, timeline, resources, and budget are defined. The development team creates a detailed project plan that outlines tasks, responsibilities, milestones, and potential risks.

3. Design & Architechture:
The design phase involves creating high-level and low-level designs for the software. High-level design outlines the overall architecture and system components, while low-level design includes detailed specifications for individual components, modules, and interfaces.

4. Reviewing & Coding:
Developers write code based on the design specifications. This phase involves translating the design into actual working code using programming languages and development tools.

5. Testing:
Software testing is a critical phase where various types of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing, are conducted to ensure that the software functions as intended and meets the defined requirements.

6. Deployment:
Once the software has been thoroughly tested and is deemed ready, it's deployed to the production environment for actual use by end-users. Deployment may involve installing the software on servers, configuring databases, and ensuring proper connectivity.

7. Maintenance and Support:
After deployment, the software enters the maintenance phase. This involves monitoring the software's performance, addressing any issues or bugs that arise, and making necessary updates and improvements over time.

Common SDLC Methodologies:

1. Waterfall Model:
A linear, sequential approach where each phase is completed before moving on to the next. It's suitable for projects with well-defined requirements and stable environments.

2. Agile Methodologies:
These include Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). They focus on iterative development, flexibility, and collaboration, allowing for frequent feedback and adjustments.

3. Iterative and Incremental Models:
These involve developing the software in smaller cycles (iterations) or increments, gradually building and refining the product.

4. Spiral Model:
This approach combines elements of both iterative development and risk management, with each cycle consisting of phases like planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation.

The choice of SDLC methodology depends on factors such as project complexity, team size, customer engagement, and the nature of the software being developed.

Difference Between Custom Software development and Readymade Software Development

Custom software and ready-made software are two different approaches to obtaining and using software solutions. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

Custom Software Development:

Tailored to Specific Needs:
Custom software, also known as bespoke or tailor-made software, is developed to address specific needs of a particular organization or business. It is designed to fit the unique requirements and processes of the client.

1. Flexibility:
Custom software offers a high degree of flexibility since it's built from scratch according to the client's exact specifications. This allows for customization of features, functionalities, and user interfaces to match the organization's workflow.

2. Cost and Time:
Developing custom software is typically more time-consuming and costly compared to using ready-made software. It involves analysis, design, development, testing, and deployment phases, all tailored to the client's needs.

3. Maintenance and Updates:
Since the software is built specifically for the client, maintenance and updates are usually the client's responsibility. This can lead to ongoing costs and efforts to keep the software up-to-date and aligned with changing business needs.

4. Integration:
Custom software can be designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and processes within an organization, making it a good choice for businesses that require strong integration.

Ready-Made Software Development:

1. Off-the-Shelf Solutions:
Ready-made software, also known as off-the-shelf or commercial software, is pre-developed and available for purchase by a wide range of users. Examples include productivity software, operating systems, and general-purpose applications.

2. Speed and Cost:
Ready-made software can be acquired quickly and at a lower cost compared to custom software. The upfront investment is generally lower, and users can start using the software almost immediately.

3. Limited Customization:
While some customization options might be available, ready-made software is less flexible than custom software. Users typically have to adapt their processes to fit the software's functionalities.

4. Support and Updates:
The vendor of ready-made software is responsible for providing support, updates, and maintenance. Users benefit from ongoing improvements and bug fixes without needing to allocate significant resources.

5. Standardization:
Ready-made software often follows industry standards and best practices, which can be beneficial for organizations that don't have unique requirements or workflows.

6. Compatibility:
Ready-made software may not always integrate perfectly with existing systems, which can lead to challenges in terms of data sharing and consistency.

Conclusion
custom software is designed and developed to meet specific, unique requirements of an organization, offering high flexibility but at a higher cost and time investment. Ready-made software, on the other hand, is readily available, cost-effective, and suitable for general-purpose needs, though with limited customization options. The choice between the two depends on the organization's specific needs, budget, timeline, and level of flexibility required.