(a) Define the term system development cycle. (b) List four stages involved in system development cycle (c) State four qualities of a good program.

(a) Definition of system development cycle

The system development cycle (system development life cycle) is the series of stages or steps followed in an orderly way to plan, analyse, design, build, test and put into use a new information system, and then to maintain it.

(b) Four stages involved in the system development cycle

1. Problem definition / feasibility study (identify the problem and decide whether a new system is worthwhile).
2. System analysis (study the existing system and gather requirements).
3. System design (design the inputs, processes, outputs and files of the new system).
4. Implementation, testing and maintenance (build, test, install the system and keep it running).

(c) Four qualities of a good program

1. Correctness / accuracy - it produces the right results.
2. Reliability - it works consistently without failing.
3. User-friendliness - it is easy to understand and use.
4. Maintainability - it is well structured and easy to modify. (Efficiency and portability are also acceptable.)