Resources | Subject Notes | Information Technology IT | Lesson Plan
The system life cycle (SLC) describes the stages a software system goes through from its initial conception to its eventual retirement. Understanding different software development methods is crucial for effectively managing this lifecycle.
Several methodologies exist for developing software. This section will explore three prominent methods: Waterfall, Agile, and Rapid Application Development (RAD).
The Waterfall model is a traditional, linear sequential approach. Progress flows steadily downwards through the following phases:
Phase | Description | Key Deliverables |
---|---|---|
Requirements | Gathering and documenting all system requirements. | Requirements Specification Document |
Design | Creating the system architecture and detailed design specifications. | Design Document |
Implementation | Coding the software based on the design. | Source Code |
Testing | Verifying that the software meets the requirements. | Test Reports, Bug Fixes |
Deployment | Releasing the software to the users. | Deployed Software |
Maintenance | Addressing bugs and making enhancements. | Updated Software, Bug Fixes |
Advantages: Simple to understand and manage, well-suited for projects with clear and stable requirements.
Disadvantages: Inflexible, difficult to accommodate changes in requirements, high risk if requirements are not fully understood at the outset.
Agile is an iterative and incremental approach that emphasizes flexibility and customer collaboration. It breaks down the project into small, manageable iterations (sprints). Key principles include:
Common Agile frameworks include Scrum and Kanban.
Advantages: Highly adaptable to changing requirements, faster time to market, improved customer satisfaction.
Disadvantages: Requires strong customer involvement, can be challenging to manage large projects, may lead to scope creep if not carefully managed.
RAD focuses on rapid prototyping and iterative development. It involves:
RAD often utilizes reusable components and tools to accelerate development.
Advantages: Fast development cycles, high user involvement, reduced risk of building the wrong product.
Disadvantages: Requires skilled developers and users, may not be suitable for complex projects with unclear requirements, can lead to a less polished final product if prototyping is not well-managed.
Feature | Waterfall | Agile | RAD |
---|---|---|---|
Approach | Linear, sequential | Iterative, incremental | Rapid prototyping |
Requirements | Fixed at the beginning | Evolving throughout the project | Identified early, refined iteratively |
Customer Involvement | Limited | High | High |
Flexibility | Low | High | Medium |
Risk Management | High risk if requirements are unclear | Lower risk due to iterative development | Lower risk due to prototyping |
The choice of software development method depends on the specific project requirements, the level of uncertainty, and the available resources.