What follows after the Analysis phase in the Software Development Lifecycle?

The correct sequence in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) shows that after the Analysis phase, the next step traditionally involves the design of the system based on the requirements gathered and analyzed. This phase is often referred to as the Design phase, which includes both logical and physical design components.

In this context, the physical design focuses specifically on how the software will be constructed, including hardware specifications, database design, and how the user interface will be presented. This is crucial since it takes all the defined requirements and translates them into an actionable plan for building the system. Understanding this transition from analysis to physical design is essential, as it sets the foundation for successful implementation.

The other choices listed reflect various stages of the SDLC but do not occur immediately after the Analysis phase. Implementation, for example, comes after the design has been finalized, while maintenance occurs after the system has been deployed and is operational. Preliminary investigation is often a precursor to the main development phases, serving as an initial step before detailed analysis begins.