Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a critically important part of software development. Every application developer should be well informed about the key concepts, methodologies, and benefits of SDLC. Software Development Lifecycle can be equated to a spellcheck process that normally flags errors and other inconsistencies in software creation at the earliest and less costly stage. SDLC is more than a spellcheck or error identification process. It includes all the steps involved in laying out your plan to ensure that everything is done right the first time.
Software development is a diverse industry. There’s no single or specific technique for developing every type of software component but there are established methodologies used by organizations to address different challenges and achieve goals in the entire software development process. The methodologies revolve industry standards like ISO/IEC 12207 which provide guidelines for the acquisition, development, and configuration of applications and software.
SDLC covers every step of the development process to provide the best quality of software applications at the shortest time and lowest cost possible. SLDC involves distinct stages of the software development process from planning and designing to building the applications, testing, and deployment. Popular SDLC models and methodologies include Agile, Lean, Waterfall, Iterative, DevOps, and Spiral.
Let’s take a brief look at each of the SDLC models.
- Agile
An Agile approach in SDLC involves adaptive planning, fast development and delivery, and continuous improvement of software applications. The Agile methodology also includes fast response to all external factors that relate to the software products. In this approach, the developers use a cross-functional collaborative framework with clear objectives to enhance and speed up the software development process.
2. Lean Software Development (LSD)
The LSD methodology uses the principles and practices of lean manufacturing to create a fast and efficient software development environment. LSD techniques and practices include processes that help reduce or completely eliminate waste, improve learning, foster better decision-making in the process, and enable high-quality software products as fast as possible.
3. Waterfall
The waterfall technique is a traditional software development model. In this approach, multiple groups or teams in different disciplines collaborate to complete one phase of a project before moving on to the next phase. The results are delivered on a single stage process unlike in an iterative framework discussed below.
4. Iterative Software Development
The iterative methodology is a coding approach that focuses on developing software in incremental phases. The approach uses shorter development cycles to handle smaller tasks in the entire development process. The iterative approach is mainly used for large projects.
5. DevOps
Every application developer should already be well informed about DevOps techniques and practices. DevOps is basically an approach that combines development and operations functions, hence the name DevOps, to create a framework that focuses on communication and collaboration between teams or groups working on the same project. DevOps helps to automate the development process.
6. Spiral Development Framework
The spiral development framework uses different models to find out what works best in the entire development process. The framework may rely on any of the methodologies discussed above such as Agile or DevOps or a combination of different models that can be applied in the same software development project.
Benefits of a Well-Planned and Executed Software Development Lifecycle
As an application developer, your goal is to identify and use processes that lower the cost of your project, improve its overall quality, and reduce the production time. A well-defined and implemented SDLC helps you achieve these goals by eliminating potential pitfalls to your software development project well in advance. The SDLC plan begins by evaluating the system for existing deficiencies. The plan then defines exactly what the new system requires and helps you build your software in well-defined design, development, testing, and deployment stages. SDLC helps you anticipate and avoid costly mistakes.
With a well-defined Software Development Lifecycle framework, you have a clear bird’s eye view of your project including the people involved in its development, requirements, and the objectives you intend to achieve in each phase. SDLC gives you a defined timeline for the project.
SDLC gives you concrete information on which to base your costs and staffing needs. It gives you control over the entire costs of the project with an accurate analysis of costs and timelines. SDLC helps improve the overall quality of the development system with verifications in each phase of the entire process.
How Can Developers Train in SDLC?
The skills and knowledge required in a typical SDLC process can be achieved through Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) credential training and tests. CASE is an internationally recognized credential that has been developed by large corporations in collaboration with leading software development experts across the world. CASE focuses on the implementation of security practices and methodologies in the current digital environment which is largely insecure, to say the least.
The CASE training and certification program was developed to arm software professionals with the right skills, knowledge, and capabilities to meet the needs of their employers and the academic world. It’s a comprehensive hands-on application security course that empowers developers with the requisite knowledge to build secure applications. The training includes all the security issues involved in every stage of the SDLC process from planning and creating the applications to testing and deploying the software products. CASE is the most comprehensive certification in today’s software development and security market. It’s used by the leading software application engineers, testers, and hiring authorities worldwide.
Benefits of Becoming a CASE-Certified Application Developer
As a software developer who understands the value of SDLC principles and practices, you need to be a Certified Application Security Developer as well. With CASE certification you gain immediate credibility in the industry. The certification affirms that you’re an expert in SDLC and application security.
With CASE certification you have an opportunity to expand your knowledge in application security. CASE is a multifaceted training program with pertinent skills that can be applied to a wide range of platforms including web applications, mobile applications, the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and much more. It’s a holistic approach covering all SDLC process from pre-deployment to post-deployment security techniques. CASE empowers developers with the necessary knowledge and skills to build, test, and deploy secure applications. When you build secure applications, you help defend and protect organizations and individual users of your applications.
Visit https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-application-security-engineer-case/ for more information about the CASE program.
