What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework that outlines the process of planning, creating, testing, and deploying software. It is a systematic approach to software development that helps to ensure that the final product meets the needs of the user and is of high quality.
The SDLC typically includes several stages, including:
• Requirements gathering and analysis:
This stage involves identifying the specific needs and goals of the software, as well as determining the target user base and overall design of the software.
• Design:
In this stage, the software is designed, and its architecture is developed. This includes creating diagrams and flowcharts to represent the software’s overall structure.
• Implementation and coding:
The actual coding of the software takes place in this stage, using programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript.
• Testing:
The software is thoroughly tested for bugs and other issues.
• Deployment:
Once the software is fully developed and tested, it can be deployed to the users.
• Maintenance:
After the software is deployed, the development team continues to monitor the software for bugs and other issues, and provides updates and support as needed.

There are different types of SDLC methodologies such as Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Lean and each have their own set of principles, practices and process to manage the software development process.
For example, Waterfall is a linear sequential approach, where progress is seen as flowing steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases of Conception, Initiation, Analysis, Design, Construction, Testing, Deployment and Maintenance.
On the other hand, Agile methodologies are incremental and iterative approach, where requirements and solutions evolve through the collaborative effort of self-organizing and cross-functional teams.