Computer Science Homework Help: Questions and Answers: What is the purpose of the ‘definition phase’ in the software development lifecycle?
a) To create the software architecture
b) To gather and specify requirements
c) To develop and test code
c) To deploy the software
Answer
The correct answer is:
b) To gather and specify requirements
Explanation:
The ‘definition phase’ in the software development lifecycle, also known as the requirements gathering phase or requirements analysis phase, is primarily focused on gathering and specifying the requirements for the software project. This option is correct because:
Purpose
- The main purpose of this phase is to understand and document what the software needs to do to meet the needs of the users and stakeholders.
Activities
- During this phase, software engineers and analysts work with clients, end-users, and other stakeholders to:
- Identify and document functional and non-functional requirements
- Clarify project scope and objectives
- Define system boundaries
- Specify user expectations and needs
Importance
- This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire project. Well-defined requirements help ensure that the final product meets user needs and expectations.
Output
- The primary output of this phase is typically a requirements specification document, which serves as a guide for subsequent phases of the software development lifecycle.
Other given options
- It precedes the design phase where the software architecture is created (option a)
- It comes before the development phase where code is written and tested (option c)
- It is far earlier in the process than the deployment phase (option d)
By focusing on gathering and specifying requirements, the definition phase helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the likelihood of costly changes later in the development process. This makes option b) the correct answer for the purpose of the ‘definition phase’ in the software development lifecycle.
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