Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Checklist
The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a structured process for designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software systems. It provides a framework that helps ensure software is developed efficiently and meets business and user requirements
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Checklist
The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a structured process for designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software systems. It provides a framework that helps ensure software is developed efficiently and meets business and user requirements. The SDLC typically includes several distinct stages, each serving a purpose in the overall development process.
1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis
Identify project requirements and objectives.
Engage stakeholders to clarify requirements.
Document functional and non-functional requirements.
Validate requirements for feasibility and alignment with business goals.
Obtain formal approval of requirements from stakeholders.
2. Planning
Define project scope, timelines, and milestones.
Identify resources, including team members and technologies.
Create a project budget and allocate resources.
Develop risk management strategies.
Establish communication channels and reporting frequency.
Finalize project schedule with tasks and deliverables.
3. Design
Create system architecture and design specifications.
Define database structures and data flow diagrams.
Develop wireframes and prototypes for user interfaces.
Determine technology stack and platform requirements.
Review and validate the design with stakeholders.
Document design for development team reference.
4. Development
Set up development environment and tools.
Write code based on design and coding standards.
Integrate version control for collaboration and backup.
Conduct regular code reviews to ensure quality.
Update documentation with code comments and changes.
Complete development within the planned timeframe.
5. Testing
Develop and execute unit test cases for individual components.
Perform integration testing to ensure module interoperability.
Conduct system testing to validate complete functionality.
Execute user acceptance testing (UAT) with stakeholders.
Identify, document, and resolve any defects or issues.
Validate system performance, security, and scalability.
6. Deployment
Prepare deployment plan with all stakeholders.
Configure the production environment for deployment.
Perform final testing in staging environment.
Schedule deployment to minimize business disruption.
Deploy the software and verify successful installation.
Confirm that users have access and system functions as expected.
7. Maintenance and Support
Set up error monitoring and alerting tools for post-launch.
Document and address user-reported issues.
Update software to fix bugs, optimize, or add features.
Conduct regular security audits and apply necessary patches.
Plan for regular backups and disaster recovery.
Schedule system updates or version upgrades.
8. Documentation
Maintain up-to-date documentation throughout each phase.
Document requirements, design, code, and testing procedures.
Create user manuals, technical guides, and training materials.
Archive all project files, documentation, and artifacts.
Ensure documentation is accessible to stakeholders and team members.
9. Review and Feedback
Conduct post-deployment review with project team and stakeholders.
Collect feedback on the software’s usability and performance.
Evaluate the success of the project based on initial objectives.
Identify areas of improvement for future projects.
Document lessons learned and best practices.
10. Continuous Improvement
Establish a feedback loop for ongoing enhancements.
Plan iterative updates to meet evolving user needs.
Update coding and documentation standards as required.
Train and upskill team members on new tools and practices.
Align future SDLC processes with past learnings and improvements.
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