What is the first step in the Software Development Life Cycle process?

The first step in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process is requirement gathering. This phase is crucial as it involves collecting and documenting the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, including potential users, clients, and team members. During this step, developers work closely with clients to understand their objectives, constraints, and preferences, which helps in defining the scope of the project.

Accurate requirement gathering sets the foundation for all subsequent phases in the SDLC, such as design, implementation, and testing. If requirements are poorly gathered, it can lead to misunderstandings and misalignments between the final product and what the stakeholders actually need, ultimately affecting the project's success. Therefore, starting with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the requirements is essential to guide the entire development process effectively.