Enterprise-level software development has the potential to provide companies with efficient software solutions that will grow with their company and transform the way businesses thrive and interact with clients. For so many enterprise businesses, it can feel overwhelming to develop a vision and know how to bring that vision to life with as few risks as possible. This is where the software development lifecycle (SDLC) comes into play. SDLC is a software development process used by development teams to develop high-quality software while avoiding risks and setbacks along the way.

Most software development companies like Nymbl utilize SDLC models to simplify the challenges of developing enterprise-level software products and managing complex projects. Nymbl provides support throughout the entire development process, from brainstorming to testing; Nymbl will save you time and money while ensuring your software is reliable and secure.

As you begin the process of developing new software, you may have some questions: what is SDLC? What are the different SDLC models? What are the benefits of SDLC? How does Nymbl use SDLC to ensure optimal enterprise software development?

What Is SDLC?

Software development lifecycle, or SDLC, is a coding methodology for developing and maintaining software. Overall, the purpose of this project management system is to streamline the development process and maintain consciousness of the risks associated with the software application being developed, as well as provide a systematic framework of goals and expectations for the project as a whole.

SDLC includes practices at each stage of the development process: brainstorming, planning, designing, building, testing, and maintaining the software. In each stage, SDLC maps out deliverables and goals so that company personnel and stakeholders can keep track of the development process and make note of significant developments or issues.

While there are various models that fall under the SDLC umbrella, all SDLC models typically are broken down into the following phases: planning, feasibility analysis, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

What Are the Different SDLC Models?

Underneath the umbrella of SDLC are several models developing teams use to approach a software development project. Each approach has pros and cons for various software development projects.

• Waterfall

The waterfall model lays out each step of the development process in sequential order without any overlap between different development phases. Because each phase is planned sequentially, any flaws in one phase will inform the next, making it more challenging to mitigate vulnerabilities. For this reason, the waterfall approach is best used for smaller development projects that can be more clearly mapped and defined beforehand, as fixing mistakes along this way is more difficult.

• Iterative

As the name suggests, the iterative methodology takes an iterative and incremental approach to development. Each small part of the larger project is developed, refined, and sent for validation through various development cycles until those smaller parts are functional.

With the iterative model, development teams start with the bare essential elements of a project and continue to build from those basic blocks as feedback is received.

• Agile

One of the more efficient models, the agile methodology, breaks down the development process into multiple development cycles. Development teams iterate through the various phases, making small changes and delivering results in each phase until the project is complete. One of the benefits of this approach is that it exposes issues early in the development process so that your team can apply solutions before those issues become more prominent and more complicated. The agile model also greatly emphasizes collaboration between developers, managers, and stakeholders and relies on feedback to iterate more enhanced features and address problems.

• DevOps

DevOps is an SDLC approach that emphasizes collaboration between development and operations, hence the name. This development approach relies on automation processes to manage workflows, streamline each phase of development, and optimize resources for greater collaboration. A DevOp plan breaks down the cycles into four major units: plan, develop, deliver, and operate. Each phase is not regulated to one group; instead, all team members are involved and contribute to each phase, creating a more collaborative production environment and ensuring a better product that both developers and end users can benefit from.

What Are the Benefits of SDLC?

It goes without saying that any application development project needs some kind of roadmap to keep everyone on the right track. Ultimately, the goal with SDLC models is to ensure that software engineers are able to commit to a schedule of milestones that provide deliverable results at each phase of development.

• Reduce Major Risks

Any SDLC model includes a testing phase to ensure all the components of the software are functioning properly. From unit testing to fixing bugs, SDLC considers possible setbacks and incorporates this into the core of the development process. Without some kind of system in place to address issues, your software could lead you to delay deployment for months with much more significant problems down the line that are more difficult to manage.

• Ensure Better Customer Satisfaction

The more thought put into developing your software and the more structured your approach, the better your chances of developing software that creates a better user experience and accomplishes tasks efficiently with an accessible user interface. If there is no consideration for how end users will interact with the software, then more likely than not, you will end up with software that drives users to other sources.

• Decrease Time-to-Market

The more time you spend planning, the less time you spend scrambling when your development team hits a roadblock. SDLC also provides the proper structure necessary to keep developers focused on the priorities laid out for your software.

• Provide more Flexibility

Creating a plan does not necessarily mean you are locked into one set of criteria. SDLC provides the necessary guidelines that allow you the space to consider other features for your application beyond deployment. While you may start with a simple vision and a list of bare minimum requirements in your initial planning phase for your prototype, planning for future possibilities will allow your development team to create windows to add new features or modules in the future as your company grows.

How Does Nymbl Use SDLC to Ensure Optimal Enterprise Software Development?

When it comes to software development, everyone can agree that having a plan is necessary. However, constructing a well-thought-out plan that includes all the features necessary to meet your business goals and room to grow can be daunting.

This is where Nymbl comes in. With their team of expert developers, Nymbl will help you strategize, plan, develop, and deploy high-quality software solutions and simplify an otherwise daunting and complicated process.

Nymbl takes a tailored approach to prescribing the right Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model for each project because we understand that one size does not fit all. Approximately half of our projects follow an iterative model, where we emphasize continuous improvements and refinements, while others adopt an agile methodology, promoting flexibility and rapid delivery. Additionally, about 10% of our work focuses on DevOps practices, ensuring seamless integration, continuous deployment, and reliable support for ongoing operations. By aligning the SDLC model with the unique requirements of each project, we ensure efficiency, adaptability, and successful outcomes for our clients.

As experts, Nymbl’s team understands the common challenges developers face when trying to achieve a unique vision. With their insight, you can better prioritize your goals and ensure your vision will be executed without complications that might otherwise occur without the proper guidance and knowledge.

Conclusion

Every project needs a map; this is where SDLC comes in handy, especially for enterprise-level software solutions. SDLC is a development process that categorizes the necessary steps to mitigate bugs and ensure the vision for your software is achieved. The basic steps of SDLC include the following: planning, feasibility analysis, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

Under the umbrella of SDLC are various models, each with a unique approach: waterfall, iterative, agile, and DevOps are just a few of the available models to follow.

There are various benefits to using an SDLC model, including reducing major risks, ensuring better customer satisfaction, decreasing time-to-market, and providing more flexibility.

Software development companies like Nymbl are here to simplify the planning stage of development by helping you prioritize your business needs and maintain a production schedule.

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