Do we need to maintain SDLC and DDLC separately?Solved

Hey man,

No offense taken, and none meant either.
That said, I’d like to clarify: Software Engineering and Technical Writing are two distinct disciplines, and ideally, they shouldn’t be treated as one and the same.

Sure, a developer who’s fluent in code can write in “English” too. But when it comes to documentation, it’s not just about writing, it’s about translating complex technical processes into clear, user-friendly content. That’s where technical writers come in. They’re trained to communicate ideas effectively, especially for users who may not be familiar with the technical aspects of the product.

Keeping SDLC and DDLC separate ensures smoother workflows. Everyone sticks to their strengths, and there’s less chance of stepping on each other’s toes. As the saying goes, “Jack of all trades, master of none.”

I hope that makes sense. Again, no hard feelings, I just believe in letting people do what they’re best at.

Hello mate,

Offense? Nah, none taken, I’m all in for a good, thoughtful conversation.
Really appreciate the way you put things; those phrases hit the mark.

Now, I totally get your point about people sticking to what they’re good at. But here’s where I’m coming from, SDLC and DDLC seem to follow similar workflows, right? That’s what made me think, why not have one person handle both?

Do you think each of these actually needs a separate structure or framework? Or are we just overcomplicating things in the name of specialization?

Hey man,

Thanks for being open-minded. Both SDLC and DDLC do follow distinct workflows, and keeping them separate often leads to more efficient outcomes. Of course, the steps might vary slightly across organizations, but the core structure tends to stay consistent. Let me break them down for you:

SDLC:

1. Planning: Identify the problem and decide how the application will solve it.
2. Analysis: Gather references, analyze requirements, and refine the approach for optimal use.
3. Design: Define the architecture, create flow diagrams, decision trees, and system simulations.
4. Implementation: Time to bring the design to life by writing code and building the application.
5. Testing and Integration: Once developed, the application is tested to ensure everything works as intended. QA teams jump in here to hunt bugs and verify stability.
6. Deploy and Manage: After resolving issues, the application is deployed. Feedback is gathered, and maintenance is carried out based on evolving needs.

DDLC:

1. Plan & Analyze: Collect information from various teams and break it down into simple, clear language.
2. Design: Determine how the content should be structured and presented for maximum clarity.
3. Content Development: Develop the content based on gathered information, explain flows clearly, highlight key points, and ensure the narrative is cohesive and informative.
4. Proofreading & Editing: Review for grammatical and contextual accuracy, make necessary edits, and prepare for final approval.
5. Publishing: Release the final documentation for end users.
6. Maintenance: Regularly update the documentation as features evolve or new changes roll out.

So yeah, each process has its own rhythm, responsibilities, and skill sets. It’s optimal to let professionals handle their respective domains.

A fish should swim fast and a cheetah should run fast. Just because a cheetah can swim doesn’t mean we ask the fish to run on its fins.

Hello again,

Those are some strong insights, mate. I’m guessing you’re a writer yourself (you’ve definitely got a solid grip on catchy phrases).

I’m all good with keeping those roles in their own lanes now.
Cheers!