Software Development Life Cycle: Phases and Best Practices

Feasibility Study

This phase includes a brief description of the proposed system and its features, along with an analysis of business requirements. It defines the organization of the development team, assigns responsibilities, estimates costs, sets tentative planning and delivery dates, and evaluates system benefits.

Analysis

This stage focuses on capturing requirements, including an analysis of the current system and new user needs. It covers:

• System description
• Data requirements
• Telecommunications requirements
• Hardware requirements
• Integration test plan

Design

A detailed description of the system architecture, including:

• Programs, reusable modules, and objects
• Files, databases, and transactions
• Data dictionary and procedures
• System load and response times
• Human and machine interfaces
• System controls and alternative designs
• Programming standards and deployment techniques
• Test plan programs

Coding

This phase involves documenting the final system design and program logic. Key deliverables include:

• Final system and program diagrams
• Input and output descriptions (tables, screens, lists)
• Commented source code
• Execution chains (JCL, scripts)
• Unit, program, and integration test results
• Operator documentation and user training materials
• System User Manual

Testing

This phase ensures quality through:

• Updated System Test Plan
• Comprehensive test reports
• Documentation of expected outcomes, actual results, and corrective actions for deviations

Installation

This stage covers the transition to production, including:

• Detailed contingency, crash, and recovery plans
• Post-installation review plan
• Installation report
• System acceptance documentation

Maintenance

Ongoing support includes:

• Tracking detected system faults
• Managing user-requested improvements
• Detailed change logs
• Minutes from regular reviews and support level acceptance