What are the different phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
A foundational question testing knowledge of the standard process used to develop high-quality software.
Why Interviewers Ask This
Understanding SDLC is critical for any developer to ensure projects are delivered on time and with quality. Interviewers ask this to confirm the candidate follows industry-standard processes and knows where their specific role fits within the broader lifecycle.
How to Answer This Question
List the standard phases in order: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance. Briefly describe the objective of each phase. Mention that Agile is a popular iterative variation of this model. Connect the phases to the goal of delivering reliable software.
Key Points to Cover
- Requirement Analysis
- System Design
- Implementation/Coding
- Testing and Deployment
- Maintenance
Sample Answer
The SDLC consists of several key phases starting with Requirement Analysis, where we gather business needs. This is followed by System Design, where architects create the blueprint and database schema. Implementation inv…
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Planning phase
- Confusing SDLC with Agile methodology only
- Not explaining the purpose of each phase
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