What is the Difference Between SDLC and Agile Methodology?

The main difference between Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile Methodology lies in their approach to project management and software development. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Sequential vs. Iterative: SDLC follows a sequential and structured approach, with each stage of the development process completed before moving on to the next one. In contrast, Agile is an iterative and flexible methodology that emphasizes collaboration and adaptability.
2. Planning: SDLC involves detailed upfront planning, including requirements and designs, before development starts. Agile, on the other hand, focuses on adaptive planning, with high-level requirements set at the beginning and detailed planning done incrementally before each iteration.
3. Changes: SDLC finds it challenging to accommodate changes once development has started, while Agile embraces changes throughout the project, allowing for adjustments based on feedback and evolving requirements.
4. Customer Interaction: SDLC involves customer interaction primarily at the beginning and the end of the project. Agile encourages more frequent customer interaction and feedback throughout the development process.
5. Documentation: SDLC requires teams to produce very thorough documentation. Agile teams do not need to create as much documentation, focusing instead on the fast delivery of results.
6. Delivery: At the end of the SDLC life cycle, the entire project is delivered in one massive delivery. Agile allows the project to be broken down into smaller increments, with each increment delivered separately.
7. Project Size: SDLC works well for enterprise-level projects, while Agile is generally better suited for smaller, more nimble projects.

In summary, SDLC is a structured approach to software development, while Agile is an iterative methodology that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability. The choice between SDLC and Agile depends on the project's requirements and the team's preferences.

Comparative Table: SDLC vs Agile Methodology

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile methodology:

In summary, SDLC is a framework for organizing the steps and activities involved in creating software, while Agile is a specific iterative and flexible methodology within the SDLC family. SDLC is more suitable for projects with strict regulatory requirements and a focus on detailed planning, while Agile is better suited for smaller tasks and projects that require flexibility and adaptability.