SDLC
Discuss some reasons why using an SDLC methodology in a project is so critical
The system development life cycle offers a methodological approach to informational systems design that ensures no critical step will be overlooked in the complex process of developing a new system. It ensures that the proposed design is necessary, will meet the needs of the users and is properly planned, checked, and screened for problems, before the final planned design is activating. Also, the use of the SDLC ensures that systems testing will occur, even after the design is complete.
First of all, the software step of the SDLC process identifies and defines a need for the new system and ensures that a rigorous inquiry will take place to answer the question if a new system is actually necessary, feasible, and useful to the users of the current system. Once and if the need is determined, next the requirements analysis will analyze the information needs of the users so the designers can create a blueprint to effectively meet those needs. The architectural design step of the SDLC process creates a proposed design with the necessary specifications for the hardware, software, people and data resources. This further ensures that the approach will be as organized, and cost and time efficient as possible when the next step, of coding and debugging and creating and programming the final system will be effective. Finally, the process ends with system testing, which evaluates the system's actual functionality in relation to expected or intended functionality. ("SDLC," 2006, Webopedia)
The problem solving approach of the SDLC is particularly useful for designers. It begins with asking what practical problems can possibly be addressed by a new system, and frames the birth new system around those problems. Then, it ensures that the designers engage in the sequential steps of planning, testing the system and screening out the new system's potential problems, and testing the system once it is installed.
Works Cited
SDLC." (2006) Webopedia. Retrieved 24 May 2006 at http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SDLC.html
