SDLC is a step-by-step process used to build or improve an information system. It ensures the system is developed in a planned manner so that it meets user needs, stays within budget and time, and is reliable.
In exams, SDLC is often asked as:
SDLC (Systems Development Life Cycle) is a structured methodology that describes the stages involved in developing an information system from initial idea to maintenance after installation.
One-line definition (1 mark): SDLC is a systematic process of planning, analyzing, designing, building, testing, deploying and maintaining an information system.
SDLC is important because it:
Different books show slightly different names, but the core phases are:
Think of SDLC as: Understand → Plan → Design → Build → Test → Run → Improve
In this phase, we identify:
Outputs:
Example: “Manual attendance process is slow and error-prone; need an automated attendance MIS.”
Feasibility study checks whether a proposed system is practical and worth implementing.
Output: feasibility report + recommendation (go/no-go).
System analysis means studying the existing system and identifying exact user requirements.
Activities:
Key deliverable:
Design converts “what to do” into “how to do”.
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A feasibility study evaluates whether a proposed system should be developed. It is commonly explained using TELOS:
If feasibility is positive, management gives a go-ahead to proceed with analysis and design.
Difference between system analysis and system design:
Thus, analysis clarifies needs, while design converts needs into a workable plan.
A management information system (MIS) is a computer system consisting of hardware and software that serves as the backbone of an organization's operations. An MIS gathers data from multiple online systems, analyzes the information, and reports data to aid in management decision-making.
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SDLC is a step-by-step process used to build or improve an information system. It ensures the system is developed in a planned manner so that it meets user needs, stays within budget and time, and is reliable.
In exams, SDLC is often asked as:
SDLC (Systems Development Life Cycle) is a structured methodology that describes the stages involved in developing an information system from initial idea to maintenance after installation.
One-line definition (1 mark): SDLC is a systematic process of planning, analyzing, designing, building, testing, deploying and maintaining an information system.
SDLC is important because it:
Different books show slightly different names, but the core phases are:
Think of SDLC as: Understand → Plan → Design → Build → Test → Run → Improve
In this phase, we identify:
Outputs:
Example: “Manual attendance process is slow and error-prone; need an automated attendance MIS.”
Feasibility study checks whether a proposed system is practical and worth implementing.
Output: feasibility report + recommendation (go/no-go).
System analysis means studying the existing system and identifying exact user requirements.
Activities:
Key deliverable:
Design converts “what to do” into “how to do”.
Focuses on what the system should do:
Focuses on how it will be implemented:
Deliverables:
This is the “building” stage:
Good practice:
Testing checks whether the system works as expected and meets requirements.
Common testing types:
Testing also covers:
Deployment means installing the system and switching from old to new system.
Conversion strategies:
User training and change management are critical here.
Maintenance is done after deployment to keep the system useful and correct.
Types of maintenance:
Maintenance is often a major cost over the system’s life.
Documentation ensures continuity:
Training helps adoption:
You may mention these in 3/5 mark answers:
Problem → Feasibility → Analysis → Design → Development → Testing → Deployment → Maintenance
T E L O S
Tech, Economic, Legal, Operational, Schedule
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SDLC provides a structured path to develop an information system from idea to operation.
Problem/Need
↓
Preliminary Investigation
↓
Feasibility Study (TELOS)
↓
System Analysis (Requirements/SRS)
↓
System Design (Logical + Physical)
↓
Development/Implementation
↓
Testing (Unit → Integration → System → UAT)
↓
Deployment/Conversion
↓
Maintenance (Corrective/Adaptive/Perfective/Preventive)
Brief explanation: