What is the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)?

The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a step-by-step process used by developers, startups, and businesses to build high-quality software—from just an idea to a fully functional app.

It provides a clear roadmap, avoids chaos, and ensures that the final product is useful, tested, and delivered on time. 💡

Why SDLC is Important for Your Business


✅ Avoid miscommunication between teams
✅ Stay within budget and timeline
✅ Build features your users actually need
✅ Reduce bugs, risks, and rework

The 7 Key Stages of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

✅ Idea & Requirement Gathering

This is where it all begins 💭

You brainstorm the problem you want to solve and who your users are.

 

Deliverables:

 

  • Problem statement

  • List of core features

  • Target audience

  • Competitive research

✅ Planning & Feasibility Study

Here, the development team analyzes whether the idea is technically, financially, and legally feasible.

 

Includes:

 

  • Timeline planning

  • Budget estimates

  • Resource allocation

  • Technology stack selection

👉 Think of it as the blueprint before construction.

 

✅ UI/UX Design

The product starts taking shape visually.

 

Key activities:
Wireframes (app screens or dashboard layout)

  • Color schemes, fonts, icon design
  • User journey flows
  • Clickable prototypes
  • Tools often used: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch

✅ Development (Coding Phase)

Now it’s code time! 👨‍💻👩‍💻
The app is built using the chosen tech stack: frontend + backend + database.

  • Backend: Node.js, Python, PHP
  • Frontend: React, Angular, Vue.js
  • Database: MySQL, MongoDB

It’s usually done in iterations (Agile methodology).

✅ Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)

Before launching, the software must be tested for:

  • Functionality (does it work?)
  • Performance (is it fast?)
  • Security (is it safe?)
  • Bugs or errors (is it stable?)

Types of testing:

  • Manual testing
  • Automated testing
  • Security testing

User acceptance testing (UAT)

✅ Deployment / Launch

Time to go live! 🚀
The final version is released to users—either on a server (web app) or App Store/Play Store (mobile app).

  • Hosting setup (AWS, DigitalOcean)
  • Domain + SSL
  • App Store submission (if mobile)
  • Monitor for early feedback & issues

✅ Maintenance & Updates

The SDLC doesn’t end at launch. Post-launch includes:

  • Bug fixes
  • New feature updates
  • Performance improvements
  • User support

Most apps go through continuous development (also called CI/CD).
 

📊 Visual Summary: 7 Stages of SDLC

Stage:

  • Idea
  • Planning
  • Design
  • Development
  • Testing
  • Deployment
  • Maintenance

Description:

  • Brainstorming and requirement gathering
  • Feasibility, budgeting, roadmap
  • UI/UX wireframes, prototypes
  • Actual coding of the app
  • Finding and fixing bugs
  • Launching the app or software
  • Updates, bug fixes, improvements

 

🤝 Who Should Use SDLC?

✅ Tech startups
✅ eCommerce businesses building custom platforms
✅ SaaS founders
✅ Anyone launching a mobile or web app
✅ Internal business tools (inventory, CRM, dashboards)