Systems Development Life Cycle Software Development Systems Development Life Cycle

What is the SDLC? Used by every software developer in some form Encompasses different development styles Is client-focused Based on ‘getting it right’

Who is Involved? Best case – The client, an analyst, a project manager, a designer, a developer Industry – The client, a manager, developers (& possibly a designer)

Stages of the SDLC Investigate Design Develop / Test Implement Support Evaluate START AGAIN!

Methods of Development: The Waterfall Method Used mostly in academic projects Steps through each process in the SDLC in turn What are the drawbacks? Problem Definition Feasibility & Analysis Design Implementation (Build) Testing & Maintenance

Methods of Development: The Spiral Method Used in industry for project with ‘unknowns’ Any stage may be revisited at any time to alter the client’s requirements What are the drawbacks? Problem Definition Feasibility Analysis Design Implementation Testing Maintenance

Methods of Development: Agile Development (or RAD) Used in most industry projects Creates alliance between client and developer Focused on delivering in bug free ‘modules’ Why is this used in industry? Problem Definition (module) Feasibility of module Analysis of module Design with Client Build Client Testing Implementation

What constraints could be placed on a computing project? What is Feasibility? Every computing project should have a feasibility study included. This is an initial analysis to determine whether the project is feasible within the constraints placed upon it. What constraints could be placed on a computing project?

Feasibility Technical Operational Economic Schedule / Social

What is involved in Feasibility? Can you actually build this? What are the constraints of your project (TOES!) Can your client implement & use this? Can your client afford this? (if not, you don’t get paid!) Can you complete this (and your report) by the deadline? In here, plan out your work using a timetable or Gantt Chart

Can I read my client’s mind?? Investigations If the project is feasible, first get your facts right! Fact finding: Questionnaires Observation Data Gathering Interviews Can I read my client’s mind??

System Requirements User interface requirements Processing requirements Storage requirements Control Requirements