SDLC Method: What is SDLC?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process for creating and modifying systems, including models and methodologies used to develop software engineering systems. SDLC methods are designed to assist you in product development. There are various types of SDLC methods, but here we will focus on just four. Below are the four SDLC methods for software development:

The First SDLC Method: Waterfall

The Waterfall method emphasizes sequential and systematic phases. It is called "waterfall" because the process flows in one direction "downward" like a waterfall. This method must be followed sequentially according to the specified phases.

Here are the development phases in the Waterfall method:

1. Requirement Gathering and Analysis
   Collecting and analyzing complete requirements to define what the program should achieve. Information can be gathered through interviews, discussions, or surveys.

2. Design
   Designing the software as a blueprint before creating the code. System designs can be made using flowcharts, mind maps, or Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).

3. Implementation
   This phase involves converting the previously created designs into code. The output at this stage is individual modules that need to be integrated in the next step.

4. Integration & Testing
   Combining the modules created earlier and testing the software to ensure it matches the design and intended functions.

5. Verification
   In this phase, users or clients directly test the system to confirm whether it meets the agreed-upon requirements.

6. Operation & Maintenance
   This is the final phase, where the completed system is deployed and maintained. Maintenance includes fixing errors that were not detected in earlier stages.

Every method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of the Waterfall method:

1. The structured process allows for well-scheduled and easily manageable work. Suitable for systems with low complexity (predictable).
2. Each process is distinct, preventing overlap.

Disadvantages of the Waterfall method:

1. The development time is relatively longer since each phase must be completed before moving on to the next.
2. Higher costs due to the extended development time.
3. This model is less suitable for complex projects.

Prototype

The next SDLC method is the Prototype model. This method allows users to get an initial visualization of the software being developed, as well as conduct early testing before the software is finalized.

The Prototype method aims to develop a model into a final software product. It accelerates system development and reduces costs. This method involves several stages in software development:

Stages of software development using the Prototype method:

1. Requirement Analysis
   At this stage, developers identify the software and system requirements to be created.

2. Creating the Prototype
   Designing a temporary model that focuses on the program flow for the user.

3. Prototype Evaluation
   Evaluating whether the prototype aligns with expectations.

4. System Coding
   If the prototype is approved, it is translated into the appropriate programming language.

5. System Testing
   Once the software is ready, it undergoes testing, usually with techniques such as White Box Testing or Black Box Testing.

6. System Evaluation
   Users evaluate whether the software meets their expectations. If yes, proceed to the next step; if not, repeat the coding and testing phases.

7. Using the System
   The software that has been tested and approved is ready for use.