(1) Acronym for
synchronous
data link control, a
communications
protocol used in IBM's
SNA networks. SDLC is similar to
HDLC, an
ISO
standard.
(2) Acronym for system
development life cycle.
SDLC is the process of developing information systems through investigation,
analysis, design, implementation and maintenance. SDLC is also known as
information systems development or application
development. SDLC is a systems approach to problem solving and is made up of
several phases, each comprised of multiple steps:
- The software concept -
identifies and defines a need for the new system
- A requirements analysis - analyzes the information needs of
the end users
- The architectural design - creates a blueprint for the design
with the necessary specifications for the
hardware, software, people and data resources
- Coding and debugging -
creates and programs the final system
- System testing - evaluates the system's actual functionality
in relation to expected or intended functionality.
(3) Acronym for software development life
cycle (SDLC) and also synonymous with software process as well
as software engineering, it
is a structured methodology used in the development of software products and packages. This methodology is used from the conception phase through to the
delivery and end of life of a final software product. See under
software engineering.
