What is the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is fundamentally a structured approach used for planning, creating, testing, and deploying information systems. It represents a comprehensive framework that outlines the different stages involved in developing a system, ensuring that each phase is deliberately conducted and monitored.

The SDLC typically includes phases such as requirements gathering, system design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance, which contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the software development process. By following this structured methodology, organizations can better manage project timelines, scope, and resources, leading to more successful outcomes in systems development.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of SDLC. For instance, conducting user training sessions pertains to user support rather than the software development process, tracking customer interactions relates to customer relationship management, and measuring employee performance focuses on organizational performance metrics rather than on system development itself. Thus, the only option that accurately describes the SDLC is the one that highlights its role as a structured process for developing information systems.