Which of the following steps is NOT part of the system development life cycle?

The system development life cycle (SDLC) is a structured process that outlines the stages involved in developing an information system, from initial conception through to maintenance. Each step serves a specific purpose in ensuring that the final product meets user needs and requirements.

Requirements gathering is a fundamental step where stakeholders determine what the system must accomplish. This phase is crucial to understanding the needs that the system must satisfy.

Installation refers to the deployment of the system once it is developed and tested. This step is essential as it involves making the system operational within the intended environment, ensuring it is available for users.

System maintenance is the ongoing process of keeping the system running smoothly after it has been installed. This includes making updates, fixing issues, and enhancing features based on user feedback and changing needs.

In contrast, market analysis, while it may be conducted as part of a project's preliminary research or business case development, is typically not considered a formal step within the SDLC itself. It focuses more on understanding the competitive landscape and market demands rather than the specific stages of developing a system. Therefore, the selection of market analysis as not a formal part of the SDLC correctly identifies it as distinct from the core phases involved in system development.