What does the term "system development life cycle" (SDLC) refer to?

The term "system development life cycle" (SDLC) refers to a structured, step-by-step process used for developing information systems. It encompasses several phases, including planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance, that guide the development of a system from inception to deployment and beyond.

Each phase of the SDLC is crucial as it ensures that the system meets the requirements of users and stakeholders while also being delivered on time and within budget. By following this systematic approach, organizations can effectively manage the complexity of information system development, minimize risks, and enhance the quality of the final product.

Other options, while related to different aspects of information systems, do not capture the comprehensive nature of the SDLC. User satisfaction assessment relates to evaluating existing systems, data management focuses on storage and retrieval, and process analysis involves studying business operations rather than the full cycle of system development.