ALM vs SDLC: Crafting Software Gems
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Developing the next big software is a lot like handcrafting a piece of jewelry. You start off with a vision and an idea, just like the jewelry maker starts out with sketches or rough designs for what they want to create.
Then you select the right materials and tools needed to bring that vision into reality: software programming languages, frameworks, coding libraries, etc., are akin to the goldsmith’s choice of metals and precious stones.
The software development lifecycle (SDLC) enables this creation, helping to ensure that the end result is of high quality and meets customer expectations. It’s important for anyone involved in software development to understand how this works, and why it matters so much.
What is a Software Development Lifecycle?
SDLC is a process that outlines the steps necessary to develop and maintain successful software. It involves planning, designing, coding, testing, deploying, and maintaining your product. Each phase of the SDLC has specific tasks that must be completed for the project to be successful.
There are several models for how this can take shape, each with its own advantages. The two most popular are:
Waterfall - The Waterfall model is the most traditional form of SDLC, and it involves a linear process with clearly defined phases. It starts with planning and requirements gathering, followed by design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
Agile - The Agile approach to software development breaks up the project into smaller parts that can be completed in short sprints or iterations. This allows for more flexibility as changes can be made on the fly when needed.
Because SDLC can be designed specifically for each phase of the development process, you can easily make it fit into an Agile model, allowing your team to make quick adjustments and implement data-driven decision-making.
ALM vs SDLC
SDLC and ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) are often confused, but they’re not the same thing. ALM is a tool used to manage the entire software development lifecycle, while SDLC is the process itself.
ALM covers all phases of development, from initial planning to deployment and maintenance. It provides an end-to-end view of software development, making it easier for teams to stay organized and on track with their projects. SDLC plays a similar role, but for specific steps within the process. Each part of your ALM should be broken into SDLC.
Returning to our jewelry metaphor, ALM would include every facet of selling rings, from concept to marketing to interacting with customers. SDLC on the other hand is the process of making the rings.
Especially when using the Agile model, having these smaller iterations and sections can help you stay on track and keep an eye on every facet of the process.
The Importance of SLDC
It can be tempting to forgo planning and designing when working on a smaller-scale project, and some programmers may argue that the time spent on those tasks is unnecessary. Despite this, there are several reasons why SLDC is essential to your process.
Quality
Because of its thorough, systematic approach, the Software Development Life Cycle helps ensure high-quality software.
By taking the time to plan ahead and anticipate potential issues, you can save yourself a great deal of work down the line. There’s room within the SLDC to test and check for bugs through every step.
Implementation Control
SLDC helps keep the development process under control. It provides a roadmap for your project and makes it easier to manage the timeline, budget, and resources.
Additionally, it allows you to monitor progress throughout the lifecycle by breaking down tasks into manageable chunks and tracking software quality as well as other implementation details.
Security
SLDC also helps with security. Because the process is organized, it makes it easier to keep track of and monitor who has access to what parts of the code. Members of your team must have constant access to the plan, but you also need to be in control of what information is going where.
Stormboard is an excellent option for making this happen, as your team can see information and progress in real-time. The software has top-notch security features, making your project even more secure.
By following SLDC, you can ensure that your software is protected from unauthorized access or malicious attacks.
Software Development Lifecycle Stages
The stages of the SDLC work together to create one beautiful, shining gem of software.
Requirement Analysis
Analyzing and documenting the requirements for your software project is like finding what specifics are important for a ring before you start crafting it. This includes understanding what users need from the product, as well as any technical constraints or limitations that might exist.
Just as you wouldn’t start to make a ring without knowing the size or material requirements, you can not skip this phase.
Project Planning
A master jewelry maker will have sketched out a piece countless times before they pull out their tools. In the project planning stage, you will decide which methods and tools best suit your software development process.
You will need to pin down a timeline and budget and have a system in place for tracking these. Having everything in one area can be a huge help, especially when your team needs to make changes on the fly.
Stormboard allows everyone to collaborate on the plan, access it at any time, and has integrations with any ALM software you’re using, so you can see how the plan progresses over time.
Coding and Testing
It’s time to break out the soldering iron and start crafting. The coding phase includes building any necessary algorithms or data structures, as well as ensuring that everything is properly documented and tested.
Deployment and Maintenance
This is the final stage of the software development lifecycle. In this stage, you will deploy your software to its intended environment and ensure that it functions properly.
Should any bugs show up, you’ll want to fix them as quickly as possible. This is like doing continued polishing and repairs on a ring once it’s been worn. A craftsman will ensure that their work continues to shine long into the future.
SLDC Best Practices
In order to get the most out of the SDLC, you'll need to have some trial and error. In the spirit of smoothing out the process, here are some best practices to keep in mind.
Tip One: Keep Data Clean
Data accuracy is essential for successful software development and data-driven decision-making. Make sure each piece of data is up-to-date and clean before it's used in the system.
Tip Two: Stay Agile
Agile software development is an iterative process that allows for rapid changes in response to customer feedback. This ensures that the software you’re producing is up-to-date and relevant, which will help keep your users engaged and coming back for more.
Tip Three: Quality Assurance Testing
Testing your software during the development process can help you catch mistakes earlier on, which will save time and money in the long run. Make sure to have a dedicated quality assurance team that can test each version of the software before it’s released.
Conclusion
Sending software out into the world can be nerve-wracking. Just as an artisan finesses each minute detail on their jewelry, developers need to stay on top of each stage of the process.
Understanding and utilizing the SDLC ensures that each phase receives the attention it deserves while allowing your team to make quick changes when necessary. This allows you to send only the most beautiful, polished pieces out into the world.
Among it’s many unique use cases, customers worldwide use Stormboard as an end-to-end project management tool for every application from construction planning to Agile Sprints. With hundreds of configurable templates, there is no limit to how Stormboard can help improve your process.
Visit our plans and pricing page today to get set up with a value-focused free trial.
About the author:
A programmer by trade, Nick Saraev is a freelance writer and entrepreneur with a penchant for helping people excel in their careers. He's been featured on Popular Mechanics & Apple News, and has founded several successful companies in e-commerce, marketing, and artificial intelligence. When he's not working on his latest project, you can find him hiking or painting.
