The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) describes the general phases of the software development process. However, there are multiple ways that companies can carry out the SDLC. A few common SDLC methodologies include the waterfall, V-shaped, spiral and the iterative models. 7T utilizes the Agile methodology for custom software and mobile app development. Let’s explore the Agile SDLC model and why Agile practices are the top choice for our clients.
The Agile SDLC Methodology
Agile development emphasizes developer-client communication and a shortened development process that is constantly adapting and improving. The scrum framework is one approach to Agile development. Development sprints, daily standup meetings and repeated testing are all focused on producing a high-quality product that delivers a large ROI.
Agile principles and practices stress the importance of working software, customer satisfaction, individual responsibility and team collaboration. If your development company utilizes the Agile SDLC process, you can be confident they are working hard to exceed your expectations.
What are the Phases of the Agile SDLC Process?
In a previous blog, we outlined the 7 Stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The stages are:
- Planning
- Requirement Analysis
- Design
- Implementation
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
Let’s explore how Agile development approaches these SDLC phases.
Planning and Requirements Analysis
7T employs a “Business First, Technology Follows” mindset, which means our team takes time to understand your business before diving into development. We want to be familiar with your operations, needs, pain points and intended ROI. Then, we can help you determine what type of solution would meet those needs, outline the requirements, and set up the development sprints.
While it is crucial to understand the needs of the business going into development, the flexibility of the Agile methodology allows for modification throughout the process. This is to ensure the crafted software solution is effective. With that said, the preparation that goes into the project before development sets your project up for success and prepares the team for the coming development sprints.
Design and Implementation
Each development sprint is like a mini software development life cycle. The Agile sprints follow a pattern similar to the planning, building, testing and evaluation process. With each development iteration, product demo and feedback gathering sessions with the client mark the end of one sprint and inform the goals and requirements of the next sprint. These are referred to as the Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective and Sprint Planning meetings. Then the process repeats itself.
While the sprints keep development moving forward on a detailed timeline, they also allow for progress updates and checkpoints to determine that the project requirements are being met. This helps to ensure that the final product is launched in a timely manner and fits the needs of the business.
Testing, Deployment and Maintenance
By the time development reaches the testing and deployment phases of the Agile SDLC, the client has already seen the project multiple times. Additionally, integration testing and regression testing throughout the process should reduce the amount of testing that is required during this phase.
Collaboration with your development company means you won’t be caught off guard with a finished product that does not meet your requirements. Your continued feedback will help the developers optimize your custom software project. After development, 7T provides continued analytics and technical support as needed to maximize the benefits of your software.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Agile practices, values and principles help businesses make better decisions about how to approach a software development project. The benefit of adaptability is that the SDLC process can be tailored toward the particular needs of the client.
Work With a Top Development Company
The Agile SDLC model has worked wonders for clients who come to 7T for custom software development. Our talented team of developers consistently works to exceed expectations and produce high-quality results.
If you are unsure of how a custom software solution could benefit your business, we offer software consulting services to identify your business needs, develop user stories, and craft a digital transformation strategy and implementation plan. To discuss your software development project, reach out to our team today.
