SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CYCLE (SDC)

Software Development Cycle (SDC) or Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process that consists of a series of planned activities, with a fixed beginning and end, to develop or alter an Information system.

System development Cycle can be thought of as a set of activities that analysts, designers and users carry out to develop and implement an information system.

Stages in the SDC

The diagram below shows the stages involved in the SDC, starting from the initial stage i.e. the preliminary study to the study review stage. Note that since this is a cycle, the event may be repeated.

The stages in the SDC include the following:

• 1.       Preliminary
• 2.       Feasibility study
• 3.       Investigation stage
• 4.       Analysis
• 5.       Design
• 6.       Implementation
• 7.       Maintenance
• 8.       Study review

Description of the stages in SDC

1.  Preliminary: The intended goal (i.e. what the system will do) of the project (information system) is established in this stage.
2.  Feasibility study: This is the study carried out before development of the system to ascertain if the proposed system is possible, practical and can serve a purpose.
3. Investigation stage: The project goals are restated into specific functions and operation of the intended system. Whatever the end-user want, how he/she wants it and when he/she wants it is considered and analysed here.
4. Analysis: The goal of the system analysis is to examine the type of the system on the basis of user requirements (what the user needs in the system).
5. Design:  Designing the system in terms of user interface, data storage and data processing functions on the basis of the analysis phase by developing system flowcharts, system and data flow diagrams, screen layouts and reports.
6.  Implementation: programming the system as designed and conducts the continuous testing and debugging. The user accepts it at this stage before migration to live environment.
7. Maintenance: This stage involves making changes, corrections, additions to the software while in use.
8. Study review: The system is continuously evaluated as it functions in the live environment; this is done to see if there is need for upgrade or replacement of the system.