Development life cycle

The Development Life Cycle or DLC is the processes and procedures involved in the creation of a product/business product. DLC usually refers to the creation of software or IT products. Although there are many variations of DLC, they often follow the same flow. This flow starts with the analysis of the problem for which the developed product will be the solution. Next comes the design of the product, followed by the building stage that involves the actual creation of the product itself. The final phase is the implementation of the product, which involves the use of the product in a real life application.

Step one: meeting users’ requirements
The first step of DLC focuses on meeting the user’s requirements. Before working on a product, IT or software consultants usually ask their clients questions to better understand the clients’ problems and need. Consultants need to ask specific questions about the product, and interview numerous people who interact with software. For example, a consultant may ask about features, interface, or installation needs and restrictions.

Step Two: Analysis
Next, developers will analyze clients' requirements to meet their need. Development of a quality product requires analysis, which can shorten time spent on debugging later in the cycle. If any problems arise during this step, consultants ask clients for more information. Developers need to anticipate many user cases or scenarios, especially in regard to user interface in software development.

Step Three: Development
In this step, developers begin to design the product. Software developers specifically focus on writing code for their software. Developers will sometimes begin from scratch, often facing a choice in computer programming languages such as C++, Java, Game Maker, and Delphi. However, developers often build on extensive libraries of existing software code or even entire older versions of previous software; this can help build software more efficiently.

Step four: Testing
Like all products, extensive testing is required to ensure quality software. Testing improves the product and builds client confidence, which can, in turn, produce repeat business and increase clients through positive recommendations.

Feedback
The final step is feedback; mistakes can still appear even though software developers spend their time debugging. After finishing the testing and retesting, software must be improved constantly to ensure a quality product.