What is the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and its phases?
A fundamental question testing knowledge of the structured process for developing software from planning to maintenance.
Why Interviewers Ask This
SDLC is the framework for all software projects. Understanding it ensures candidates can contribute to organized, high-quality development. It shows they know how to manage projects, adhere to standards, and deliver reliable software.
How to Answer This Question
List the standard phases: Planning, Requirement Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance. Briefly describe the goal of each phase. Mention that different models (Waterfall, Agile) exist but the core phases remain similar.
Key Points to Cover
- Definition of SDLC
- Listing of key phases
- Purpose of each phase
- Importance of structure and quality
Sample Answer
The SDLC is a structured process for developing software through defined phases from planning to maintenance. It starts with Requirement Analysis to gather user needs, followed by Design to create architecture. Implement…
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the maintenance phase
- Confusing SDLC with specific methodologies like Scrum
- Providing incorrect order of phases
- Failing to explain the purpose of phases
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