What is the first phase of a system development life cycle?

The first phase of a system development life cycle (SDLC) is planning. This foundational stage is crucial as it sets the direction for all subsequent phases. During the planning phase, the need for a new system is evaluated, project goals and objectives are defined, and a feasibility study is often conducted to assess the project's viability in terms of technology, cost, and potential impact on the organization.

Planning involves gathering requirements from stakeholders, determining the resources needed, and developing a project timeline. This phase ensures that everyone involved understands the scope of the project, which helps to prevent miscommunications and misalignments later in the development process. A comprehensive planning phase contributes significantly to the success of the system, as it lays the groundwork for design, implementation, and maintenance phases that follow.

By establishing clear goals and understanding user requirements early on, the planning phase helps to ensure that the final system meets the needs of the users and achieves the desired outcomes, ultimately leading to a more organized and efficient development process.