Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
A comprehensive guide covering all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle, testing strategies, deployment practices, and reporting standards used by our engineering teams.
What is SDLC?
The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process that defines the phases and activities required to plan, design, build, test, deploy, and maintain software systems. It provides a repeatable framework ensuring that software is delivered with consistent quality, on time, and within scope.
Why SDLC Matters
Without a defined SDLC, software projects are prone to:
- Scope creep and changing requirements without control
- Poor communication between business and engineering teams
- Missed defects reaching production environments
- Unpredictable release timelines
- Difficulty rolling back failed deployments
A well-followed SDLC mitigates all of these risks by creating clear checkpoints, responsibilities, and quality gates at every stage.
SDLC Phases at a Glance
| Phase | Goal | Key Output |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Define project scope, feasibility, and timeline | Project Charter, Resource Plan |
| Requirements | Gather and document what the system must do | BRD, User Stories, Acceptance Criteria |
| System Design | Architect the technical solution | HLD, LLD, API Contracts, DB Schema |
| Development | Build and code the software | Source Code, Unit Tests, Code Reviews |
| Testing | Validate correctness and quality | Test Reports, Defect Logs |
| Deployment | Release software to production | Release Notes, Deployment Runbook |
| Maintenance | Support, monitor, and improve | Incident Reports, Patches |
Testing Types Quick Reference
| Test Type | Scope | When |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Testing | Single method/class | During development |
| Integration Testing | Service-to-service | Post-development |
| Regression Testing | Full existing functionality | Before every release |
| End-to-End Testing | Full user journeys | Pre-deployment |
| Inflight Testing | Live production traffic | During/after deployment |
| Component Performance Testing | Single service under load | Before scaling events |
Deployment Strategy Quick Reference
| Strategy | Use When | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-Forward | Bug is minor, fix is fast | Low — move forward with hotfix |
| Roll-Backward | Critical defect, no quick fix | Medium — revert to previous version |
How to Use This Documentation
Navigate using the sidebar on the left. Each phase and testing type has its own dedicated page with:
- Goals and objectives
- Step-by-step activities
- Team responsibilities
- Entry and exit criteria
- Tools and templates
- Java/Spring code examples where relevant
If you are new, start with Planning and follow the phases in order to understand the full lifecycle.