What does SDLC stand for?

The correct answer is "System Development Life Cycle." This term refers to a structured approach to software development that outlines the various stages involved in creating software applications, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. The SDLC framework helps ensure that the software development process is efficient, systematic, and well-organized, allowing for improved quality, reduced costs, and timely delivery.

While "Software Development Lifecycle" may seem to capture the essence of the process, it is less commonly used in official terminology compared to the broader "System Development Life Cycle," which encompasses both software and system considerations within the development process. The other options, such as "Software Design Life Cycle" and "Systematic Data Life Cycle," do not accurately represent the comprehensive stages included in the typical SDLC framework. The focus on systems in the correct answer highlights its inclusivity of various aspects beyond merely software, thus providing a more accurate representation of the lifecycle involved in developing complex systems.