Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

A Software Development Lifecycle is a structured process that guides the creation, testing, and maintenance of software applications from conception to retirement.

This methodology provides teams with a systematic approach to building software by breaking development into distinct phases, each with specific goals, deliverables, and quality gates.

The SDLC typically includes phases such as requirements gathering, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Popular SDLC models include Waterfall, Agile, DevOps, and Spiral methodologies, each offering different approaches to managing timelines, risk, and stakeholder involvement.

From a cybersecurity perspective, integrating security practices throughout the SDLC—known as Secure SDLC or DevSecOps—is crucial for building resilient applications. This involves threat modeling during design, secure coding practices during implementation, security testing alongside functional testing, and ongoing vulnerability management post-deployment. By embedding security considerations early and consistently, organizations can identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they reach production, reducing both cost and risk compared to retrofitting security measures later.