For citizen developers starting to explore application creation, our SDLC articles series will cover different phases of software development, giving you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the process effectively.
The SDLC or Software Development Lifecycle is a systematic approach to planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software applications. It ensures a well-defined workflow, minimizing risks and maximizing the chances of success.
Think of it like preparing a delicious meal:
Requirement gathering & planning
Just like any good chef, you wouldn't jump straight into cooking without a recipe and ingredients. The SDLC begins by gathering requirements, like your recipe, outlining the functionalities and features your application needs. You also identify the resources (ingredients) needed for development, such as available tools and technologies.
Design & development
Here, the recipe transforms into the actual dish. In the SDLC, this translates to designing the application's interface (presentation) and user experience (taste and aroma) while laying the foundation with the code (cooking methods).
Testing & deployment
Before serving the dish, you'd naturally taste it to ensure everything is perfect. Similarly, the SDLC involves rigorous testing to identify and fix any "bugs" or issues before deployment, which is like presenting the finished app to your users (serving the dish).
Maintenance & support
After being prepared, your app might require adjustments or additional ingredients (updates and bug fixes) to maintain its quality and functionality over time. The SDLC encompasses maintaining, updating, and fixing any issues that arise after deployment.
By understanding the SDLC, you'll gain a clear perspective on the development journey, empowering you to approach app creation with confidence and structure. Stay tuned for the next article in this series, where we'll delve deeper into the first stage: Starting your application development!