The Six Steps in the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC)

The Six Steps in the Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC)

The process of developing a software, according to thedesired needs of a user, by following a basic set of interrelated procedures is known as ProgramDevelopment Life Cycle.PDLC includes various set of procedures and activitiesthat are isolated and sequenced for learning purposesbut in real life they overlap and are highly interrelated.

Tasks of Program Development

The basic set of procedures that are followed by variousorganisations in their program development methods are as follows:

Step 1 - analyze problem

Step 2- design / define the programs

Step 3 - code programs

Step 4 - test programs

Step 5 - formalize solution

Step 6 - maintain programs


Step 1, analyze/ Define the problem

Analyze problem, consists of reviewing program specifications; meeting with the analyst and users; and identifying program componentsAnalysis Phase.

In the analysis phase the requirements gathered in the requirements phase, are used to create report definitions and layouts, screen definitions and layouts, data element definitions, workflow diagrams, and security matrices. This phase culminates in the creation of a “logical” model of the application.

Step 2, design programs

Design programs, involves grouping activities into modules, devising solution algorithms, and testing the algorithms.

In the design phase the logical model developed in the analysis phase, is used to develop a “physical” model of the application. The physical model contains business object logic, database schemas identifying relationships, web object design and layout, report calculations and processing, and the security object definition.

Step 3, code programs.

Code programs, entails translating the solution algorithm into a programming language and entering program code into the computer

In the coding/development phase the individual objects or components of the application are coded from the physical model. Once the system objects have been developed, they are gathered and connected together (integrated) to create a working application. The integrated application is placed on a staging server for testing.

Step 4, test programs.

Test programs, consists of correcting syntax errors and logic errors. The testing phase encompasses three testing stages; component testing, requirements testing, and acceptance testing. During component testing, all objects are tested to ensure they work together as specified by the physical design. Once the components are tested and the system operates as designed, the application is tested against the requirements gathered in the requirements phase of development. Once the requirements testing stage is completed, the system is presented to the business function for acceptance testing. In all testing stages, defects are identified and returned to the development/coding phase for correction.

Step 5, formalize solution.

Formalize solution, includes reviewing program code and documentation. The deployment phase contains two stages, a three- to six-month pilot followed by a national deployment. At the conclusion of the pilot, the finished application is placed on a production server. Users are trained, user guides are delivered, and the system is distributed nationally. The application is then maintained by the TIGTA’s Central Support Facility (TCSF).


Step 6, maintain programs /Maintenance Phase.

Maintain programs, involves correcting errors and adding enhancements.In the maintenance phase the deployed application is maintained through scheduled backups. Any changes to the application are presented to the Change Control Board for approval. If a change or enhancement has been approved by the CCB, it is presented to the Requirements Team and the software development life cycle begins again.