What is the first phase of the SDLC?

The first phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the Definition phase, often referred to as the Planning or Requirements phase as well. This phase is critical in establishing a clear understanding of the project scope and objectives. During this stage, stakeholders gather information about what the system needs to do, identify the problems that the system should solve, and outline the functional and non-functional requirements.

This phase involves various activities such as feasibility analysis, stakeholder interviews, requirement gathering sessions, and creating an initial project plan. By thoroughly understanding the project's requirements and constraints, the development team can ensure that the subsequent phases (such as Design, Construction, and Implementation) are built on a solid foundation of clear and accepted specifications. This setup significantly reduces the risk of project failure due to misunderstandings or scope creep later in the development process.