These other terms are discussed on the relevant page, eg a description of "Problem Statement" is included on the analysis page.

Link to Systems Flowcharts

This topic deals with the design and development of computer systems from the software point of view - the hardware aspects are covered in Topic 3. The software and systems life cycle are considered and the importance of a good analysis and design is stressed. The topic also includes some aspects of the impact of computer systems on society.

Software Life Cycle

There are very many different models of the systems life cycle and the similar software development life cycle. In the IB Subject Guide the following stages are explicitly mentioned:

• analysis
• design
• implementation
• operation
• maintenance

It is described as a cycle since maintenance of the system often leads to activities associated with analysis and the whole process is repeated.

Other terms have been used in other literature and in the old Subject Guide:

The cycle is often not as clear cut as a simple description implies; there may be back-tracking at any point, particularly if the specification was not thoroughly done. In the real world, projects don't often fit the model since they are often so complex that the perfect design can't be seen until the imperfect one is in operation.

Back to top

Links to other pages...

A retail store scenario - scenario.html - attempts to put some aspects of the processs into context.

Information elsewhere:

EBusiness - Software Development Life Cycle

Questions or problems related to this web site should be addressed to Richard Jones who asserts his right to be identified as the author and owner of these materials - unless otherwise indicated. Please feel free to use the material presented here and to create links to it for non-commercial purposes; an acknowledgement of the source is required by the Creative Commons licence. Use of materials from this site is conditional upon your having read the additional terms of use on the about page and the Creative Commons Licence. View privacy policy.