Documents created in Waterfall Model (SDLC) | Software Project
A practical checklist of deliverables across the SDLC, from requirements to maintenance.
1. Requirements / Analysis
Business Requirements Document (BRD)
Defines business needs, project objectives, and high-level scope.
Stakeholder Matrix
Identifies roles, responsibilities, and approval authorities for the project.
Functional Specification Document (FSD)
Details system features, functions, and how requirements will be met.
Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)
Maps requirements to corresponding design, development, and testing artifacts.
Meeting Notes / Workshop Output
Records outcomes and action items from stakeholder discussions and requirement sessions (email or approach document).
2. Design
Wireframes / Mock-ups
Visual representations of UI screens, layouts, and user navigation (e.g., Figma, wireframing tools).
Solution Architecture Diagram
Visualizes the overall system structure, components, and their interactions.
Data Models / ERD
Shows the structure of data, tables, and relationships between entities.
API Specifications (Swagger / OpenAPI)
Documents interface contracts for APIs, including endpoints and data formats.
3. Development
Source Code & Repository
All application code stored in a version-controlled repository for collaboration.
Build / Deployment Plan
Steps and tools used to build and deploy the application to environments.
Environment Setup Guide
Instructions for configuring local and test environments for developers.
Master Data Setup
Document listing all master data to be maintained in the system.
Developer Notes
Explanations for important technical decisions or code sections.
4. Testing
Test Plan
Testing strategy, scope, resources, and schedule for testing activities.
Test Cases / Scenarios
Step-by-step instructions for executing tests to validate requirements.
Defect / Bug Report
Log of bugs and issues found during testing, with severity and status.
Test Summary Report
Summarizes test results, coverage, and overall quality status.
Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM)
Updated to show test coverage and validation for each requirement.
Security Test Report
Findings and remediation results from security testing.
Security Go-Ahead
Email or formal approval confirming readiness for release.
5. Deployment
Deployment / Release Notes
List of new features, fixes, and enhancements included in the release.
User Guide
Instructions and help content for end users on how to use the application.
Rollback Plan
Steps to revert the system to a previous version in case of failure.
Deployment Checklist
Verifies all pre-go-live steps are completed for a successful launch.
6. Maintenance
Issue / Production Incident Log
Ongoing record of defects, issues, and resolutions after go-live.
Change Request (CR)
Documents requests for new features, improvements, or bug fixes.
Knowledge Base / FAQs
Common issues, solutions, and best practices for support.
SLA / Support Plan
Support levels, response times, and escalation procedures for maintenance.