SDLC Resources
The software development life cycle (SDLC) is the entire process of formal, logical steps taken to develop a software product. The phases of SDLC can vary somewhat but generally include the following:
- conceptualization;
- requirements and cost/benefits analysis;
- detailed specification of the software requirements;
- software design;
- programming;
- testing;
- user and technical training;
- and finally, maintenance.
There are several methodologies or models that can be used to guide the software development lifecycle. Some of these include:
- the linear or waterfall model (which was the original SDLC method);
- rapid application development (RAD);
- joint application development (JAD);
- the prototyping model;
- the fountain model;
- the spiral model;
- build and fix;
- and synchronize-and-stabilize.
Usually a few models are combined into a hybrid methodology to make the best fit for the project.
To provide further insight into the software development lifecycle, MKS recommends the following tools, articles and other resources on this topic:
Recommended MKS Tool:
The MKS Integrity Suite is an end-to-end enterprise software configuration management solution. From requirements capture and business process design to global development team collaboration, to metrics management and reporting to complete auditing of software and system change in support of IT governance initiatives, MKS manages the complete technology and software development life cycle (SDLC). A flexible, process-centric architecture allows you to construct repeatable processes and workflows that are tuned to any methodology your organization might be following. MKS also offers process templates for Waterfall and Iterative development, based on best practices, that can help quick start development and get new projects up and running smoothly. The MKS Integrity Suite is distinguished for its process flexibility, speed of implementation and low total cost of ownership.
Recommended Articles:
“A Survey of System Development Process Models”
- Darryl Green and Ann DiCaterino, Center for Technology in Government
“Best Practices for Software Development Projects”
- Mike Perks, IBM
“Changing Application Development Needs”
- A TechRepublic Survey, sponsored by MKS
“Learn IT: Software Development”
- TechTarget Network
“Quick Study: System Development Life Cycle”
- Russell Kay, ComputerWorld
“Security Across the Software Development Lifecycle”
- Network World Fusion
“SDLC Models”
- Patrick Henry, Computer Science Department, University of Western Ontario
Other Recommended Resources:
Application Development Trends Magazine
- News and articles on application development trends, intended for software developers for enterprise environments.
Developer.com
- Link directory, technical articles, news, forum, and online books for many programming languages.
Methods And Tools
- Provides free practical knowledge and information on all topics of application development and software engineering.
Software Development Magazine
- Covers the people, products, and practices of corporate software development.
SD Times
– Print publication and online venue that covers software development trends and practices from the management perspective.
Resources on Other Topics:
Software Configuration Management (SCM)
Software Quality Assurance (SQA)
Software Requirements Management Tools and Resources
