The software development life cycle (SDLC) has evolved significantly since its origins in the 1950s and 1960s, when the term ‘life cycle’ was first used to refer to the stages involved in developing computer systems. Initially used to structure early computer development, SDLC has grown to encompass the entire process of building modern software—from initial planning to ongoing maintenance.
Today, SDLC serves as a framework that organizes software development into clear, manageable phases. These phases guide teams in designing, building, testing, and deploying software applications across a wide range of platforms. By breaking down the process into distinct steps, SDLC helps teams measure progress, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall project outcomes.
Identifying current needs
The first stage of SDLC involves input from all stakeholders, salespeople, customers, industry experts, programmers, and anybody else who might have knowledge or requests for the software.
Planning
Leaders of the project evaluate its terms, including the calculation of labor and material costs, to create a timetable with goals. Planning must also include areas of feedback from stakeholders or anybody who is going to benefit from the applications. The scope of the project should be clearly defined and the purpose of the application outlined. It is likewise essential to identify the boundaries that are needed to keep the project from expanding beyond scope or shifting.
Defining requirements
The next step is to define and document requirements and seek stakeholder approval. Define what the application is meant to do, any features that would be included, and roadblocks along the way. Resources would also need to be identified and built into the project to define requirements.
Design and prototyping
SDLC requires a designing step that models how the application will work and aspects of the design. Some of the aspects can include:
- UI: How customers will interact with the software and how the software is meant to respond to certain inputs.
- Programming: The programming language that will be used, as well as how the software will solve problems and perform tasks.
- Security: The certain measures that will be taken to ensure that the application is secured. This includes SSL encryption, password protection, and secure data storage.
- Communications: Define how the application will communicate with other assets like a central server.
- Architecture: Includes industry practices, any templates, overall design, and specific programming languages.
- Platforms: Outlines the platform that will host the software, like Apple, Windows, Android, or Linux.
Software development
This is the phase of SDLC where the program itself is written out, either using a single developer or a large team each working on different parts of the development. SDLC can anticipate issues in the software development process that can hold up production, like waiting for test results or compiling code.
Testing
Applications must be tested continuously to ensure that they are going to run well together, as software development is often broken down into smaller projects completed by separate individuals and teams. Ensure that each function runs as it should and that each part of the application is interacting well with other parts. This reduces the number of bugs that users can encounter when using the application, and it leads to a higher usage rate and better user satisfaction.
Deployment
An application is deployed once testing is completed, which makes it available to users. This step of the process can be manual or automated, depending on the complexity and needs of the application.
Operations and maintenance
Once the application has been deployed and is being used, the final phase discovers bugs that slipped through the cracks during testing and resolves them—this can start its own iterative process.
After the design has been defined, a prototype of an early version of the software can be created to demonstrate a basic idea of how an application will look, how it will respond, and what it is capable of doing. This is the phase where programmers receive feedback from stakeholders to approve the application—prototyping is much less expensive than making changes in the development phase.
There are several different approaches to software development, each different enough that an organization can find their needs fulfilled with one of them.
Just as a waterfall flows in a linear fashion, waterfall SDLC is a linear model that has the development of the software start from the beginning and move through each step of the process—but the next step cannot start until the prior step has been finished. Waterfall SDLC helps a company analyze continuity and feasibility of each step of the process, which can help eliminate bottlenecks or silos.
The Agile methodology focuses strongly on user input and experience, which can solve many issues that arose from older applications that were more cumbersome to use. The software, as it moves through the Agile process, is very responsive to feedback and works to release software in quicker cycles in order to adhere to a changing and rapid market.
Software developers quickly create an initial version of the software, which is then improved upon in small iterations. This is an approach commonly used in larger applications that can help get the application up and running to meet a business need more quickly.
Similar to Agile, DevOps looks to improve the usability and relevance of an application that has been developed by gathering feedback from the software users during the design and implementation phases—all while using active collaboration and communication between members of a team that has been assembled to cover all aspects of a product. This team will include representation for information technology operational roles as well as development, testing and security.
Spiral uses the iterative approach of other models in conjunction with sequential processes as seen in waterfall. This allows for incremental releases and refinement through each step of the spiral as the development goes through each step of the process repeatedly.
Also known as the verification and validation model, the V-model approaches the steps sequentially, but in a “v” shape—it is an extension of the waterfall approach that includes testing that is directly associated with each phase of the development rather than testing in a single phase.
There is little planning and very few processes involved in the big bang model. The process begins with the necessary funding and resources, then output software that hopefully meets customer requirements. This model is usually used for very small projects with very small teams that do not require as much formal structure and process.
By breaking the process into clear, manageable phases, SDLC ensures that every stage—from the first planning meetings to post-deployment operations—follows a consistent methodology. This structure helps teams collaborate and navigate challenges across multiple teams. So, when requirements shift, technologies advance, or emergent situations threaten up-end development, SDLC provides the flexibility to adapt and maintain control.
Adopting SDLC is essential for ensuring that all stakeholders align on project goals, resources are used efficiently, and risks are minimized. It fosters clear communication, timely delivery, and high-quality results, making it a critical approach for delivering reliable software that meets business and customer needs.
SDLC provides an upfront, centralized goal for everyone to agree with and understand. There is a clear plan for development, including resources and associated costs, and roles can be assigned out to ensure proper execution of the plan. By defining deliverables and processes for each phase, SDLC delivers a range of advantages:
Increased visibility and collaboration
SDLC gives all stakeholders—developers, business leaders, and end-users—clear visibility into the project at every stage. This transparency helps foster collaboration, ensuring that everyone is informed about progress, risks, and changes. It also helps reduce the likelihood of setbacks arising from misunderstandings and misalignments.
Improved planning and resource management
By breaking down the project into well-defined phases, SDLC allows for more accurate estimation of time, costs, and resources. This enables teams to schedule work efficiently and allocate resources effectively, minimizing waste and ensuring the project remains on track and within budget.
Early risk identification and mitigation
A structured approach allows teams to identify potential risks early in the development process, whether they are technical, financial, or operational. SDLC provides a framework to assess these risks and plan mitigation strategies, so developers can address issues before they can derail the project.
Higher quality and reliability
SDLC emphasizes continuous testing and validation throughout the development process. By identifying defects early and ensuring that all components work seamlessly together, SDLC helps to deliver software that is more reliable, performs better, and meets user expectations.
Consistent delivery and better customer satisfaction
A well-executed SDLC leads to more consistent and timely project delivery. This structured approach reduces delays and ensures that the software meets the agreed-upon requirements, leading to improved customer satisfaction and better alignment with business objectives.
Long-term maintainability
Finally, SDLC lays the groundwork for easier maintenance and updates post-deployment. By documenting the development process and structuring it effectively, teams can more easily perform upgrades and fixes, and adapt the software to changing needs over time.
Despite the many advantages offered by the software development life cycle, it also can present certain challenges for organizations. These hurdles can affect timelines, budgets, and project coordination, especially as teams strive to balance flexibility with adherence to standards. However, by identifying and addressing these issues early on, businesses can mitigate the risks and improve overall project execution.
Time
SDLC can be time-consuming, particularly if a rigid methodology like Waterfall leaves little room for flexibility or quick iterations. Delays in one phase can create bottlenecks in the entire process. Consider adopting more agile methodologies or hybrid approaches that allow for iterative development and faster feedback cycles, helping to keep projects on track.
Cost
Budget overruns are common in SDLC, especially when unanticipated issues arise during development or when projects require more resources than initially planned. Regularly reassessing the project scope, resource allocation, and timelines may be the answer. Early risk identification and tight cost control during planning can prevent expensive course corrections later.
Adapting to business needs
Changing business requirements or evolving market conditions can make it difficult for teams to stay aligned with project goals, especially if the SDLC framework is too rigid. Incorporating more agile or iterative processes into the SDLC can improve adaptability. Regular stakeholder feedback loops ensure that changes in business needs are captured and addressed promptly.
Managing large teams
Coordinating large, diverse teams may complicate communication and workflow management, leading to silos, inefficiencies, and misaligned efforts. Address this issue by implementing project management tools that offer transparency and accountability. Clear role definition, regular cross-functional meetings, and collaboration platforms can help streamline communication across the team.
Reporting
Determining the appropriate level of documentation and reporting can be challenging, especially in fast-paced projects where detailed reporting might slow down progress. Strike a balance by tailoring the reporting and documentation requirements to the project's complexity. Use automated reporting tools where possible to ensure that critical information is captured without overburdening the team.
Compliance
Software must comply with industry standards. This can create additional complexity in software development, particularly in industries with stringent regulatory requirements. Establish a compliance checklist early in the project to monitor adherence to standards. Regular audits and code reviews can help identify and rectify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
SDLC best practices help standardize processes, enhance collaboration, and streamline each phase of development. When implementing a software development life cycle, consider the following:
Source control
Source control keeps all the code in a single location to secure the working code. This can be a physical location or a virtual location wherein users can login to an encrypted cloud-computing environment.
Continuous integration
Make sure that each component of the asset is consistently compatible throughout the life cycle. Continuous integration ensures that all team members avoid conflicts and duplicates by using similar programming languages and libraries.
SDLC management systems
Add transparency to systems through each phase of the project, and throughout the project as a whole. SDLC management systems control each step of the way while adding analytics, work management systems, and bug-tracking that can improve parts of the life cycle that are not running effectively.
The software development life cycle is an excellent process that can help teams through the process of developing and deploying software, including necessary fixes, by utilizing best practices and methodologies.
Modern software development integrates cybersecurity into every stage of SDLC. This is made possible through practices like DevSecOps. Unlike traditional approaches where security testing occurs after development, DevSecOps embeds security assessments throughout the entire process. This approach ensures that security vulnerabilities are identified and addressed early, reducing risks and minimizing costly fixes after deployment.
DevSecOps encourages collaboration between development, security, and operations teams, ensuring that security measures—such as code reviews, penetration testing, and architecture analysis—are continuous and anticipatory. This makes it possible for teams to build resilient software that can withstand modern cyber threats.
The software development life cycle is essential for delivering high-quality, reliable software to meet the needs of your users and your business. That said, managing SDLC effectively requires the right tools to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and maintain visibility across teams.
When building applications on ServiceNow, the platform provides the tools needed to support SDLC as part of the AppEngine offerings although building applications in the platform is increasingly using no-code and low-code techniques. For other development environments, there are many interaction points between the SDLC lifecycle and the work already done in ServiceNow – such as the integration to change management processes. ServiceNow DevOps Change Velocity, a component of IT Service Management Professional, is a powerful solution to support SDLC. By automating workflows and key processes and integrating with existing tools, it gives teams real-time visibility into development progress, helping them address issues quickly and ensure compliance. And, because DevOps Change Velocity is built on the comprehensive ServiceNow AI Platform, it centralized all communication and collaboration efforts, providing a single source of truth and ensuring that every team and individual is operating in tandem. With these capabilities, ServiceNow empowers your business with faster, more efficient software delivery while maintaining high standards of security and quality.
To see how ServiceNow DevOps Change Velocity can transform your software development processes, request a demo today!