Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Definition

A process of planning and managing software development. It typically involves dividing software development work into smaller, parallel, or sequential steps or sub-processes to improve design and/or product management.

Why it matters

The software development life cycle provides a structured framework for approaching software projects, which often come with a high level of uncertainty. It allows project stakeholders to better understand what is required, to identify issues early on, keep costs down, and deliver higher quality software.To align with the requirements laid out in SOC regulations, the auditor will look to see if the software development lifecycle is transparent, trackable, and controlled (issue tracking, unit testing, version control, etc.) By embedding these compliance measures within the development process, a company can demonstrate its commitment to internal controls and risk management, reducing potential legal liabilities and fostering trust among clients and stakeholders.