Blockchain Technology in Software Development Lifecycle: A Systematic Approach

Abstract

Blockchain technology, originally devised for secure digital currency transactions, has expanded into a variety of applications beyond finance, particularly in enhancing software development processes. This paper presents a systematic approach to integrating blockchain technology into the software development lifecycle (SDLC) to improve transparency, traceability, and security. We analyze existing models where blockchain has been applied for version control, decentralized collaboration, software licensing, and smart contract-based automation. The research delves into how distributed ledger technology can enforce immutability in code repositories, thereby ensuring tamper-proof change histories and auditable software development activities. Several case studies from open-source projects and enterprise applications are discussed to demonstrate the practical benefits and limitations of blockchain integration in SDLC.

KEYWORDS: Blockchain, Software Development Lifecycle, Smart Contracts, Decentralized Collaboration, Immutability.