What does the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) represent?

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process used for developing information systems. This framework guides the entire lifecycle of a system, starting from the initial feasibility study, through the stages of analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase is crucial for ensuring that the final system meets the needs of users and stakeholders, is delivered on time, and remains functional and relevant post-deployment.

By following the SDLC, organizations can minimize risks, control project scope, and enhance collaboration among developers, project managers, and end-users. It provides a clear roadmap that outlines the steps needed to take an idea through to a finished product, ensuring that all necessary requirements are gathered and met throughout the development process. Thus, it effectively promotes successful information system development, which is key in today's data-driven business environments.