System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a methodology used to develop, maintain, and replace information systems. Typical phases in the SDLC are: Analysis, Design, Development, Integration and Testing, Implementation, etc.

Prototyping is an iterative process of systems development in which requirements are converted to a working system that is continually revised through close collaboration between an analyst and users.

 

SDLC

Prototyping

Advantages: Lends itself to good control Focus on tradeoffs Creates detailed documentation which is valuable for maintenance Focus on goals   Disadvantages: 1.       Time and cost estimation difficult 2.       Can be very slow 3.       Systems development is an art not a science

Advantages: Reduces development costs Requires user involvement Developers receive quantifiable user feedback Facilitates system implementation since users know what to expect Results in higher user satisfaction Exposes developers to potential future system enhancements   Disadvantages: Can lead to insufficient analysis Users expect the performance of the ultimate system to be the same as the prototype Developers can become too attached to their prototypes Can cause systems to be left unfinished and/or implemented before they are ready Sometimes leads to incomplete documentation If sophisticated software prototypes (4th GL or CASE Tools) are employed, the time saving benefit of prototyping can be lost