Archive for January, 2009
Phase Of Software Development Life Cycle
A life cycle is a set of phases that divide an effort into smaller and more manageable units. Each phase has defined inputs, involves the application of tools and techniques, and generates a specific output.
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), as described by Grady Booch , James Rumbaugh , and Ivar Jacobson, consists of four phases that any software intensive system goes through. These are briefly explained below.
Inception
This is the first phase of the SDLC process. The idea of a new system is envisaged at this stage. This stage involves the following activities:
• Understanding the problem and the rationale for solving it.
• Specifying the scope, objectives, and requirements of the software system.
• Specifying the estimates of the resources needed.
• Planning a schedule of major milestones in the project.
• Creating an executable prototype of the system that serves as proof of understanding the user requirements.
Elaboration
This is the second phase of the SDLC process. The system vision and architecture are defined at this stage. A system’s requirements are expressed and documented.
This stage involves the following activities:
• Elaborating the system specification obtained from the inception phase.
• Analyzing the problem domain.
• Describing the system’s requirements by creating a model of the system. 8 Capturing various requirements for the project.
• Developing the project plan.
Construction
This is the third phase of the SDLC process. The software is coded to form an executable base, which is ready to be deployed. The software is constantly tested to meet the system’s requirements.
This stage involves the following activities:
• Elaborating the solution specification obtained from the elaboration phase.
• Building and developing the software system.
• Completing implementation and testing of the software system.
• Iteratively and incrementally extending the functionality of the system based on test results.
Transition
This is the last phase of the SDLC process. The software is handed over to the end user and is tested for defects. Defects identified are then documented and corrected.
This stage involves the following activities:
• Integrating the software system.
• Delivering the software system.
• Deploying the software system.
• Correcting problems that may occur during or after deployment of the software system.