In a commonly taught version of the system development life cycle (SDLC), how many main steps or phases are there?

Introduction / Context:
The system development life cycle, often abbreviated as SDLC, describes the structured phases for developing, deploying, and maintaining information systems. Although different models exist, many introductory textbooks and exam syllabi refer to a standard five phase SDLC. This question tests whether you know that widely referenced structure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question targets a basic, textbook style SDLC model.
• The most common version includes planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.
• Variants may add or combine phases, but exams usually expect one canonical answer.

Concept / Approach:
In the classic five step SDLC, the phases are: system planning, system analysis, system design, implementation or development, and operation or maintenance. Planning identifies the problem, scope, and feasibility. Analysis studies business requirements and current systems. Design translates requirements into technical specifications. Implementation builds, tests, and deploys the system. Maintenance includes support, enhancements, and corrections after go live. Some models treat testing as part of implementation, while others show more granular steps, but five phases remains a standard teaching model.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the common SDLC phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.Step 2: Count these phases to see that there are five distinct steps.Step 3: Compare this count to the options: 3, 4, 5, and 6.Step 4: Recognise that option C, which states 5, matches the standard textbook SDLC.Step 5: Select option C as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Information systems textbooks, especially at introductory level, frequently present a five phase SDLC diagram. Although some methodologies use more detailed stages, exam questions generally rely on this canonical representation. This consistency across teaching materials confirms that 5 is the expected answer in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A with 3 phases is too compressed and would omit important stages such as analysis and design. Option B with 4 phases usually merges steps in a way that is not standard for basic SDLC teaching. Option D with 6 phases reflects extended models but does not match the commonly taught five phase version targeted by this question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes memorise only the names of SDLC activities without counting them, which can lead to confusion when facing numeric options. Others mix up SDLC with project management process groups such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing. Keeping a clear mental picture of the standard five phase SDLC helps answer many information systems exam questions more confidently.

Final Answer:
5