Software development is an ever-growing field with newer and more innovative techniques being introduced all the time. One such technique is Simplified last-level abstraction (SLA). What is SLA, and what does it mean for software developers?
SLA is simply a way of measuring the progress of a project or product to ensure that it meets specific objectives. These objectives can be anything from meeting deadlines to ensuring that the product conforms to specific requirements. By using SLA, both the development team and management can be alerted to any deviations from the original plan. In short, SLA ensures that projects are carried out according to a set plan, rather than improvised as they go along.
In practical terms, this means that every stage of a project should be aligned with the previous stage in order to meet the final goal. This ensures that everything from design through testing is done in a sequential manner in order to get the best results possible. This process is known as “stepwise refinement”, and is essential for any high-quality product.
All too often, projects are completed without any form of quality control or assurance that they meet expectations. Implementing SLA ensures that every stage of the development process is monitored and logged so there are no surprises down the line. This keeps everyone on their toes, improving efficiency and resulting in a better product.