Software Development

Software development is a rigorous process used in the creation and maintenance of software. In this paper the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) has been explored as the universal model upon which other models are based. Examples of software crises emerging from software failures and errors have also been discussed in a bid to aid in the appreciation for the need software development lifecycle process. The SDLC phases i.e. planning, analysis, design and implementation are discussed in much detail and the importance of each of this process right from when the software is conceived as an idea by the project sponsor, to when the software is actually installed and used to add value to the organization. The paper also depicts the SDLC as a general software development lifecycle model that can be enhanced to create context specific software process models. In fact, most software process models such as waterfall, incremental and prototyping models all have aspects of the four phases in the SDLC but with unique variations to suit software development needs of each project. The development of highly reliable, quality and cost-effective software also relies on the application of good project management practices in the SLDC to ensure all technical, functional and organizational requirements are met. ——————————  ————————