Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) in Project-Based Learning

Understanding the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a structured approach to software development that ensures efficiency, quality, and maintainability. In the context of Project-Based Learning (PBL), understanding SDLC helps teams collaborate effectively and manage the software development process smoothly.

1. Source Control

Source control (or version control) is essential for tracking and managing changes in the codebase. Tools like Git and platforms like GitHub provide a structured way to maintain different versions of a project.

  • Ensures that code changes are recorded.
  • Allows developers to revert to previous versions if issues arise.
  • Facilitates collaboration among team members.

2. Forking

Forking is the process of creating a personal copy of a repository. It enables developers to experiment, make changes, and contribute without affecting the original project.

  • Helps in open-source collaboration.
  • Encourages independent experimentation.
  • Changes can be proposed via pull requests.

3. Branching

Branching allows developers to work on features or fixes independently without disrupting the main project.

  • Main Branch (e.g., main or master): The stable version of the project.
  • Feature Branches: Used to develop new features before merging into the main branch.
  • Bug Fix Branches: Created to resolve specific issues.

Branching helps teams work on multiple aspects of a project simultaneously.

4. Building

The building phase involves compiling source code into an executable format. In JavaScript projects, this may include:

  • Transpiling modern JavaScript (ES6+) to older versions using Babel.
  • Bundling files using Webpack or Parcel.
  • Minifying and optimizing assets for better performance.

5. Testing and Verification

Testing ensures that the software functions correctly before deployment. Different types of testing include:

  • Unit Testing: Testing individual functions or components (e.g., using Jest, Mocha).
  • Integration Testing: Checking interactions between multiple modules.
  • End-to-End Testing: Simulating real user scenarios (e.g., Cypress, Selenium).

Verification ensures that the product meets requirements before release.

6. Pull Requests (PRs)

A pull request (PR) is used to propose code changes from a branch to the main project.

  • Enables code review before merging.
  • Helps maintain code quality.
  • Allows discussion and feedback on changes.

7. Merging

After approval, changes from a pull request are merged into the main branch.

  • Squash Merge: Combines multiple commits into one.
  • Rebase: Incorporates changes from one branch into another cleanly.
  • Fast-Forward Merge: Moves the main branch forward without additional commits.

8. Deployment

Deployment is the process of making the software available to users. It involves:

  • Hosting the application (e.g., Vercel, Netlify for web apps).
  • Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for automated testing and deployment.
  • Monitoring and Maintenance after release.