What are the Benefits of Using an SDLC Model?

Any software development approach is practical only if you know how to execute it properly. Otherwise, it’s just a set of instructions that look good on paper but grant no benefits. It’s like driving a car without a map. You would get lost, arrive late at your destination, and waste time and fuel. 

That’s why following a defined approach to software development is essential. You must understand different SDLC models and choose the one that benefits you the most. Doing so would keep you on track with software development and ensure you don’t run out of time and budget.

This blog discusses an SDLC (software development lifecycle) model and why it is affordable for enterprises. Let’s begin:

What is an SDLC Model?

A software development lifecycle is a framework highlighting all the stages and activities a team needs to perform to develop and maintain the software. An SDLC model acts as a blueprint for the software development team, helping them efficiently manage the software development process. 

Here are the different types of SDLC models:

• Waterfall
• Agile
• Rapid application development 
• Spiral
• V-model
• Iterative and incremental model

Difference between Traditional and Agile ADLC Model

The primary difference between the traditional and agile SDLC models is that they follow different sequences for project development. The conventional SDLC model follows a linear approach to software development. In contrast, the agile SDLC model follows an iterative process in which we develop the software in small iterations called sprints.

Here are a few other differences between both SDLC models:

• Planning: Traditional SDLC model requires upfront planning. At the same time, you can do it iteratively as the project progresses in the agile SDLC model.
• Requirements: In the traditional model, we gather and document requirements upfront while we gather and refine them as the development goes into the agile SDLC model.
• Design: We create the design upfront and keep it the same throughout the development process in the traditional SDLC model. On the other hand, the agile SDLC model emphasizes an iterative approach to design. Also, you can make changes anytime based on your requirements.
• Testing: Testing happens at the end of the development process in the traditional SDLC model, but we do testing throughout the development process in agile SDLC. Each sprint ends with a test cycle.
• Deployment: The team deploys the product at the end of software development. But in agile SDLC, we can deploy it at the end of the project.
• Communication: Traditional SDLC favors formal and structured communication, but you can have informal and ad hoc communication in agile SDLC.
• Maintenance: The team maintains the software at the end of development in traditional SDLC, but maintenance happens throughout the life of the software in agile SDLC.
• Cost: Cost is high in conventional SDLC as it requires extensive planning and documentation, but the price is low in agile SDLC due to its iterative and incremental nature.
• Time: Time-to-market is long in traditional SDLC but short in agile SDLC.
• Suitability: Traditional SDLC works well for projects with fixed requirements and timelines but doesn’t suit projects with changing requirements and unclear timelines.

Benefits of an SDLC Model

An SDLC model offers compelling benefits to help you build high-quality software faster. Here are some of them:

• An SDLC model enables you to follow a structured approach to software development, ensuring that you properly plan and execute each step to manage the project effectively.
• As an SDLC model breaks software development into clearly defined phases, you can allocate resources and manage the project better. Also, you can easily track your project’s progress to ensure things are on track.
• An SDLC model can help you estimate resource requirements and project timelines accurately. As a result, planning the project, allocating resources, and controlling costs become easy.
• Detecting and fixing bugs becomes easier as SDLC models focus on testing and quality assurance at different stages of software development. It leads to high-quality software at a reduced cost. 
• SDLC models emphasize communication and collaboration between stakeholders. Through regular meetings, defined tasks, and precise documentation – you can ensure that everyone’s on the same page and that the software you built turns out to be how you had expected.
• Apart from offering a structured approach to software development, some SDLC models (Iterative and Agile) allow flexibility and adaptability. As a result, it becomes easier for teams to incorporate feedback and modify the project as needed.
• SDLC models help you systematically consider and mitigate potential risks before they become significant hurdles. This way, you can proactively address challenges and reduce the chances of failure. 
• Since SDLC models promote extensive documentation of project requirements, design specifications, and deliverables – they can help you create a valuable knowledge base that your team can refer to anytime. 
• SDLC models can help you understand what matters the most for the client and deliver features that can solve their purpose. This way, you can provide your client with the maximum value.

In Conclusion,

Software development lifecycle (SDLC) models can help you build high-quality software by following a structured approach to software development. They can also help you reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary risks and preparing extensive documentation to define deliverables clearly. As a result, you can build high-quality software without going heavy on budget. 

The blog gave enough idea of SDLC models and their significance. Now, it’s time to choose the SDLC model that suits your business requirements and get on with software development. Best of luck!