Introduction
Developing software without a clear structure is like constructing a building without a foundation. Projects risk delays, budget overruns, and products that fail to meet user expectations. To avoid such outcomes, development teams rely on a systematic method known as the Software Development Life Cycle, or SDLC. This approach outlines the software development process steps in a logical sequence, helping organizations build reliable and maintainable solutions.
In this article, SotaTek ANZ will explore what SDLC means, why it is essential in software engineering, and how teams can benefit from following its defined phases. From planning to maintenance, understanding each step in the SDLC phases can improve project visibility, reduce risk, and ensure higher software quality.
What is Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
The Software Development Life Cycle is a structured process that guides the creation of software from its initial concept to final release and beyond. It provides a standardized framework that helps teams deliver software in a consistent, predictable, and cost-effective way.
At its core, SDLC defines each stage in the software journey from gathering business requirements to testing and maintenance. By breaking down the work into clear phases, it enables developers, managers, and stakeholders to align on goals, reduce waste, and track progress with greater confidence.
Each of the SDLC phases serves a distinct purpose and contributes to the overall success of the project. When followed properly, this process not only enhances technical quality but also improves collaboration and communication across teams. Whether applied in traditional or modern methodologies, SDLC remains a foundation for managing complexity in the software development process.
Read more: What is Software Development? A Practical Guide for Modern Businesses
Common SDLC Models & When to Use Them
Although SDLC provides a general framework for building software, it is not a one‑size‑fits-all solution. Over time, different models have been developed to apply SDLC phases in ways that suit varying team structures, project goals and business constraints. These models act as blueprints, organizing the software development process steps into specific sequences and workflows.
Each model shapes how planning, development, testing and deployment are carried out. Choosing the right one affects not just delivery speed, but also how well the product meets stakeholder needs. For example, some models prioritize thorough documentation, while others emphasize flexibility and speed. Understanding these models allows teams to tailor their approach and select a development path that aligns with the complexity and requirements of the software.
Below are four widely used SDLC models, each with its own strengths, structure and use cases.
Common SDLC Models & When to Use Them
Waterfall Model
The Waterfall model is one of the earliest and most linear forms of SDLC. It follows a strict progression where each phase must be completed in full before the next one begins. The sequence typically includes requirement analysis, design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance. Since these steps do not overlap, the model creates a predictable workflow with strong control and comprehensive documentation.
This approach is especially suitable for large projects that demand stability and have little tolerance for sudden changes. Waterfall offers a clear structure that benefits systems requiring long-term reliability, detailed approvals and formal sign-off procedures. These characteristics make it a natural fit for traditional and highly regulated environments such as banking, government, or public infrastructure. In these sectors, requirements are usually well understood from the start, and development teams must follow strict compliance standards.
However, because the Waterfall model assumes that requirements remain fixed throughout the project, it becomes difficult to accommodate changes once development begins. If a stakeholder requests a new feature late in the process, addressing that change may require revisiting multiple earlier phases, which can be both time-consuming and costly. This rigidity makes Waterfall less ideal for fast-changing or customer-facing software where flexibility is key.
Iterative Model
The Iterative model builds software through repeated cycles. Rather than attempting to gather all requirements and complete the product in one go, it delivers a core version early, then improves it over time. Each cycle passes through fundamental SDLC phases such as planning, design, development, testing and review. Feedback from earlier iterations informs improvements in the next.
Iterative Model
This model is well suited for mid-size projects where some functionality is clear upfront, but additional features are expected to evolve based on feedback or changing business needs. For example, developing a learning management system (LMS) for a university may begin with basic course creation, then expand into assessments, forums and analytics in later iterations.
The Iterative approach helps reduce risk by allowing early testing of concepts and validating assumptions through working versions. However, it can also introduce challenges such as scope creep if feedback loops are poorly managed. Additionally, early design flaws may be carried over unless caught and corrected in time. Projects that use this model still require solid architectural planning to ensure long-term scalability.
Spiral Model
The Spiral model combines elements of both iterative development and risk management. Each cycle or “loop” in the spiral involves four main activities: defining objectives, identifying and resolving risks, developing the next version and planning the following iteration. This repeated assessment of risks makes the model highly adaptable for complex and high-stakes projects.
It is especially appropriate for large-scale systems that involve high investment, long timelines or strict quality assurance. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms or defense-grade communication software are good examples, as these solutions demand rigorous evaluation before major technical decisions are locked in.
Spiral Model
By allowing teams to refine the product gradually while proactively addressing uncertainties, the Spiral model reduces the chance of costly rework. On the downside, it requires significant expertise in risk analysis and strong project governance. If not managed properly, the model may become expensive due to its iterative planning overhead and detailed documentation needs.
Agile Model
Agile is a flexible, team-driven approach that breaks software development into short time-boxed sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks. Each sprint delivers a usable product increment that is reviewed and refined based on user feedback. Agile emphasizes collaboration, adaptability and speed over rigid process and documentation.
This model is ideal for dynamic projects where requirements shift frequently, or where market responsiveness is critical. Startups building consumer-facing mobile apps, for instance, often use Agile to release new features quickly, test user response, and pivot if necessary.
Agile vs Waterfall Software Development
Agile offers high visibility, faster value delivery and strong alignment with stakeholder expectations. However, its success depends heavily on team communication and discipline. In the absence of clear goals or a committed product owner, Agile projects can suffer from shifting priorities or fragmented features. It may also lack the predictability and documentation required in highly regulated sectors.
The 7 Phases of Software Development Life Cycle
Phase 1: Planning
Planning is the foundation of all steps of a software development project. In this phase, Project Managers (PMs) lead the effort to define goals, scope, resources, timelines, and risk assessments. Business Analysts (BAs) collaborate with stakeholders to outline high-level business objectives and identify possible constraints. The result is a roadmap that guides all subsequent work.
Among all SDLC phases, planning is where clarity is established before any line of code is written.
Phase 2: Requirement Analysis
This phase focuses on gathering detailed user and system requirements. Business Analysts work closely with clients and end-users to translate business needs into technical requirements. Meanwhile, System Architects and Technical Leads assess feasibility and alignment with existing infrastructure.
This is one of the most crucial software development process steps, as unclear or incomplete requirements often lead to scope changes and delays later in the project.
Phase 3: Design
With the requirements finalized, the design phase outlines how the system will work. UI/UX Designers create wireframes and user interface mockups to define user journeys and ensure usability. Software Architects and Tech Leads define the system architecture, including data structures, APIs, modules, and technology stacks.
This phase balances creativity with logic, shaping how the product will look and function before actual development begins. It’s a highly collaborative stage, often involving reviews between designers, developers, and PMs to ensure technical and user experience alignment.
Phase 4: Development
Also known as implementation, the development phase is where the coding begins. Software Developers (both frontend and backend) turn design documents into a working product. Tasks may be distributed among different development teams based on functionality, platforms, or features.
DevOps Engineers may also be involved in setting up CI/CD pipelines, environments, and deployment automation. Throughout this phase, Project Managers monitor progress while Scrum Masters (in Agile teams) facilitate daily stand-ups and sprint planning.
Among all SDLC phases, development is often the most resource-intensive step which converts plans into production-ready code.
Phase 5: Testing
Before the product is released, it must be thoroughly tested. Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers and Testers validate functionality, performance, and security. Testing may involve unit testing, integration testing, regression testing, and user acceptance testing.
This step in the software development process ensures that bugs are caught early and the product meets both business and technical expectations. Depending on the testing approach, automated test engineers may also develop test scripts to speed up the process.
Phase 6: Deployment
In this phase, the software is moved to a live environment. Whether it’s a full release or a phased rollout, deployment must be smooth and low-risk. Support teams often prepare documentation and monitor tools to track early issues. Deployment is not just about going live; it’s about ensuring the product runs reliably from day one.
Phase 7: Maintenance and Support
Once deployed, the software enters a long-term phase of monitoring, updates, and improvement. Support Engineers handle bug reports and user issues. Developers fix bugs or introduce small enhancements, while QA teams test new patches.
In some cases, Product Owners gather user feedback and assess feature improvements for future versions. This stage ensures that the software remains secure, efficient and aligned with evolving business needs.
7 Phases of Software Development Life Cycle
Benefits of Following SDLF Phases
Following a well-defined SDLC brings structure and consistency to the software development process. It helps teams stay aligned across all stages to reduce miscommunication and delays.
By clearly separating the steps of a software development project, organizations gain better control over timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Each phase has a purpose, and when executed properly, SDLC enables teams to catch issues early, adapt to risks, and deliver more predictable outcomes.
It also improves collaboration across roles. Business analysts, developers, testers, and project managers all work within a shared framework, ensuring smoother handoffs and more transparent progress tracking.
Ultimately, the software development process reduces rework, improves product quality, and increases stakeholder confidence in the final result.
Are there any Risks of Software Development Life Cycle?
Although the SDLC provides structure and clarity, it also presents certain challenges. One common risk is its lack of flexibility. In traditional models such as Waterfall, once requirements are approved, making changes later in the process can be difficult, expensive, and disruptive to timelines.
In some cases, the emphasis on documentation and sequential steps may slow down progress, especially in fast-paced environments where feedback is frequent and priorities shift quickly. This makes SDLC less suitable for projects that require continuous adaptation or rapid iteration.
Another risk comes from poor execution. If the roles within the software development team are unclear or key phases are rushed or skipped, it can lead to miscommunication, rework, or unmet expectations.
To reduce these risks, many teams tailor the SDLC approach to fit the nature of the project. By balancing structure with flexibility, organizations can maintain control while staying responsive to change.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Software Development Life Cycle is a proven framework for managing complexity and ensuring quality throughout a software project. By following clear SDLC phases, development teams can turn ideas into reliable, scalable products with greater clarity and control.
But in today’s fast-moving environment, building modern software requires more than just structure and clean code. It demands intelligent features, adaptability, and future-ready architecture.
At SotaTek ANZ, we go beyond traditional development by combining over 1,000 skilled software developers and AI engineers to deliver full-stack solutions that are smart by design. From launching new web or mobile apps to transforming legacy systems, we build products that not only work but learn, adapt, and scale with your business.
With teams based in Australia and New Zealand, supported by global delivery centers, we offer the speed, flexibility, and cost-efficiency your project needs. Our AI-native approach integrates advanced features like chatbots, recommendation engines, and predictive analytics directly into your software to give you a competitive edge.
Ready to bring your next idea to life? Contact SotaTek ANZ today to build software that’s stable, scalable, and intelligent from day one.
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