Requirements Gathering Best Practices for Software Development Life Cycle

The initial phase of the “Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)“ is called “Requirement Analysis,” also referred to as “Requirement Gathering.” This is perhaps the most vital phase within the SDLC because it lays the foundation for how the rest of the software project will take place. Who will give these requirements and how, you ask? There are several approaches. It should be noted that this phase is also the most common for making mistakes within the project. By using the following techniques and methodologies, you can avoid getting de-railed by these mistakes. Here are the various requirement analyzing techniques that can be used as per the “Software Development process”: Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN), UML Use Cases, Flow Chart, Data Flow Diagrams, Role Activity Diagrams, Work Flow Technique, and GAP Analysis

Business Process Modeling Notation

This technique is similar to creating process flowcharts, although BPMN has its own symbols and elements. Business process modeling and notation are used to create graphs for the business process. These graphs simplify understanding the business process and end-to-end business flow. BPMN is widely popular as a process improvement methodology.

UML (Unified Model Language)

UML consists of an integrated set of diagrams that are created to specify, visualize, construct and document the artifacts of a software system. UML is a useful technique while creating object-oriented software and working with the software development process .  In UML, graphical notations are used to represent the design of a software project.  UML also helps in validating the architectural design of the software development life cycle.

Flow Chart

A flowchart depicts the sequential flow and control logic of a set of activities that are related. Flowcharts are in different formats such as linear, cross-functional, and top-down.  The flowchart can represent system interactions, data flows, etc. Flow charts are easy to understand and can be used by both the technical and non-technical team members. The flow chart technique helps in showcasing the critical attributes of a process.

Data Flow Diagrams

This technique is used to visually represent systems and processes that are complex and difficult to describe in text. Data flow diagrams represent the flow of information through a process or a system. It also includes the data inputs and outputs, data stores, and the various subprocess through which the data moves. DFD describes various entities and their relationships with the help of standardized notations and symbols.  By visualizing all the elements of the system it is easier to identify any shortcomings. These shortcomings are then eliminated in a bid to create a robust solution.

Role Activity Diagrams

Role-activity diagram (RAD) is a rule-oriented process model that represents role-activity diagrams.  Role activity diagrams are a high-level view that captures the dynamics and role structure of an organization. Roles are used to grouping together activities into units of responsibilities. Activities are the basic parts of a role. An activity may be either carried out in isolation or may require coordination with other activities within the role.

Work Flow Technique

Work Flow Technique is represented that how the business process gives a maximum understanding of the business. In each step there will be complete information about the business, in other words, it gives us how the software project works and tells us where to start and endpoints. This is one of the best techniques to understand the software development life cycle requirements easily.

GAP Analysis

Gap analysis is a technique that helps to analyze the gaps in the performance of a software application to determine whether the business requirements are met or not. It also involves the steps that are to be taken to ensure that all the business requirements are met successfully. A gap denotes the difference between the present state and the target state. Gap analysis is also known as need analysis, need assessment, or need-gap analysis.