Describe the major phases in the systems development life cycle (SDLC).
The systems development life cycle (SDLC) includes several major phases that serve as a roadmap for developing and implementing an information system. These phases are:
1. Requirement gathering and analysis: In this phase, project stakeholders identify and document the requirements of the system. This involves understanding the organization's needs, identifying the problem to be solved, and determining the goals and objectives of the system.
2. System design: In this phase, the system's architecture is designed based on the requirements gathered in the previous phase. This includes creating system specifications, defining the system's structure, and designing user interfaces. The emphasis is on creating a blueprint for the system's development.
3. Development: This phase involves the actual coding and programming of the system based on the design specifications. Developers write the code and create the components that will make up the functioning system.
4. Testing: Once the system is developed, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it works as expected. This includes both functional and non-functional testing to validate that the system meets the specified requirements and is free from defects or errors.
5. Implementation: During this phase, the system is deployed and made operational in the production environment. This includes activities such as data conversion, training end-users, and system integration with existing systems.
6. Maintenance: After implementation, the system requires ongoing support and maintenance to ensure its smooth operation. This phase involves monitoring the system, fixing any issues that arise, and making necessary updates or enhancements as required.
Throughout the SDLC, there is an iterative nature where each phase may be revisited or repeated as needed to address any issues or changes that arise. Additionally, documentation is important in each phase to capture and communicate the decisions and changes made throughout the project.