What is a systems development life cycle (SDLC)?

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is fundamentally defined as a structured approach to building information systems. It is comprised of various stages, including planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance. This framework guides project teams through the entire process of developing information systems, ensuring that all critical aspects of the project are systematically addressed.

In the planning phase, objectives and the scope of the project are defined, setting the groundwork for the entire system. The analysis phase involves gathering requirements to understand what the users need from the system. Following that, during the design phase, the system's architecture and specifications are created, laying out how the system will meet the identified requirements. The implementation phase is where the actual development work is done, leading to the deployment of the system. Finally, the maintenance phase is crucial, as it involves ongoing support and updates to ensure the system continues to function effectively.

This holistic approach is what makes the SDLC a critical component in systems analysis and design, providing a clear pathway from conception to deployment and beyond. Other options, while related to project management principles, do not encapsulate the comprehensive nature of the SDLC as a method for developing and managing information systems.