The software development life cycle (SDLC) is the entire process of formal, logical steps taken to develop a software product. The phases of SDLC can vary somewhat but generally include the following:
* requirements analysis;
* detailed specification of the software requirements;
* software design;
* coding;
* testing;
* implimentation;
* and maintenance.
There are several methodologies or models that can be used to guide the software development lifecycle. Some of these include:
* the linear or waterfall model (which was the original SDLC method);
* the prototyping model;
* the spiral model;
