Sure, I will explain the key points about systems development life cycle models in a simple and

understandable way, covering all the important aspects mentioned in the given document.

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a systematic approach to developing and maintaining
software systems. It consists of several phases or stages that provide a structured framework for the
entire process. The main phases are:

1. Preliminary Investigation: This initial phase involves identifying the problem, studying the current
system, understanding its flaws, and determining the requirements and objectives for the new
system.

2. Feasibility Study: Based on the preliminary investigation, a feasibility study is conducted to assess
whether the proposed system is viable. It considers three key aspects:

- Economic Feasibility: Evaluating the costs and benefits of developing and maintaining the new
system.

- Technical Feasibility: Analyzing the technological requirements, such as hardware, software, and
emerging technologies.

- Human/Behavioral Feasibility: Assessing the acceptability of the new system among the
employees and users.

3. System Requirement Determination: In this phase, the functional and operational requirements of
the new system are identified and documented in a Software Requirement Specification (SRS)
document. The SRS serves as an agreement between the analyst and the client, outlining all the
requirements for the new system.

4. System Design: This phase involves creating a blueprint or technical specifications for the new
system, based on the requirements outlined in the SRS.

5. Software Development: The actual coding and programming of the system take place in this
phase. The project is broken down into modules, and each module is assigned to separate teams for
development.

6. System Testing: Various testing techniques, such as black-box testing (functional testing) and
white-box testing (code testing), are employed to identify and remove bugs and errors in the
software.
7. System Implementation: This phase involves installing the system, training users, creating
computer files, and setting up all the necessary hardware and software components.

8. Post-Implementation and Maintenance: This is an ongoing phase that involves correcting code,
updating documentation, fixing design errors, and making the system more user-friendly.
Maintenance can be classified into corrective, adaptive, perfective, and preventive types.

The document also discusses several SDLC models, including:

1. Waterfall Model: A linear-sequential model where each phase must be completed before moving
to the next. It is suitable for smaller projects with well-understood requirements.

2. Prototype Model: An iterative model where a rough prototype is built, evaluated by the
customer/user, and refined until the final product is developed.

3. Incremental Model: An iterative model where the software is developed and delivered in
increments, with each increment adding more functionality to the product.

4. Spiral Model: A risk-driven model that combines iterative development with systematic and
controlled aspects of the waterfall model.

5. Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model: A high-speed adaptation of the linear sequential
model, emphasizing extremely short development cycles and extensive code reuse.

These models provide different approaches to software development, each with its own advantages
and disadvantages, and the choice of model depends on the project's size, complexity, and
requirements.

Sure, let me explain each of the SDLC models in more detail:

1. Waterfall Model:

This is a linear-sequential model where the phases are executed in a specific order, one after the
other. The key phases are:

- Requirement Analysis & Definition: All the requirements for the system are gathered and
documented.
- System & Software Design: The system architecture and software design are created based on the
requirements.

- Implementation & Unit Testing: The actual coding and unit testing of the software components
take place.

- Integration & System Testing: The individual components are integrated, and the complete system
is tested.

- Operations & Maintenance: The system is deployed, and maintenance activities are carried out.

The waterfall model is simple and easy to understand, but it lacks flexibility. Any changes in
requirements later in the process can be costly and time-consuming. It works well for smaller
projects with well-defined and stable requirements.

2. Prototype Model:

This is an iterative model where a rough prototype is built, evaluated, and refined until the final
product is developed. The key steps are:

- Requirement Gathering: Initial requirements are gathered.

- Quick Design: A rough design for the prototype is created.

- Prototype Construction: A basic prototype is built based on the initial requirements.

- Prototype Evaluation: The customer/user evaluates the prototype and provides feedback.

- Prototype Refinement: The prototype is iteratively refined based on the feedback until the final
system is built.

The prototype model allows for early user feedback and refinement of requirements, making it
suitable for projects with unclear or evolving requirements.

3. Incremental Model:

In this iterative model, the software is developed and delivered in increments, with each increment
adding more functionality to the product. The key steps are:

- Requirement Analysis: All the requirements for the system are gathered and prioritized.

- Incremental Planning: The requirements are divided into multiple increments, and a plan is created
for each increment.

- Incremental Development: Each increment is developed and delivered, starting with the core
product and adding more features in subsequent increments.
- Incremental Integration and Testing: Each increment is integrated and tested before moving to the
next increment.

- System Deployment: After all increments are developed, the complete system is deployed.

The incremental model allows for early delivery of a basic product and reduces risk by addressing
high-priority requirements first. It is suitable for projects with well-understood requirements that
can be divided into increments.

4. Spiral Model:

This risk-driven model combines iterative development with systematic and controlled aspects of
the waterfall model. The key phases are:

- Customer Communication: Establishing effective communication with the customer.

- Planning: Defining resources, timelines, and project-related information.

- Risk Analysis: Assessing technical and management risks.

- Engineering: Building one or more representations of the application.

- Construction and Release: Constructing, testing, installing, and providing user support.

- Customer Evaluation: Obtaining customer feedback on the software representations.

The spiral model emphasizes risk management and allows for early prototyping and risk analysis. It is
suitable for large and complex projects with high risks and uncertain requirements.

5. Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model:

This is a high-speed adaptation of the linear sequential model, focusing on extremely short
development cycles and extensive code reuse. The key phases are:

- Business Modeling: Modeling the information flow among business functions.

- Data Modeling: Refining the information flow into data objects.

- Process Modeling: Transforming data objects to achieve the desired information flow.

- Application Generation: Using automated tools and code reuse to facilitate rapid construction of
the software.

- Testing and Turnover: Testing new components and interfaces, and deploying the system.
The RAD model emphasizes rapid prototyping and user feedback, making it suitable for projects with
well-understood requirements and a need for a quick turnaround time.

Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of model depends on factors such
as project size, complexity, requirements stability, and the development team's expertise and
preferences.