Quick Answer
The correct answer is Planning, Coding, and Deployment, as these are three of the core phases in the software development life cycle. The SDLC is a structured process that guides a project from initial concept through final release, with Planning defining requirements and scope, Coding translating those requirements into executable code, and Deployment making the finished software available for use. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of the high-level workflow rather than every minor step, so be careful not to confuse debugging—which falls under the Testing phase—or marketing, which is a business activity, with actual SDLC phases. A common trap is assuming that debugging is a standalone phase, but it is simply a task within testing. To remember the core phases, think of the mnemonic “PCD” for Plan, Code, Deploy, which captures the essential sequence that every IT professional must know.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of software development concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE are phases of the software development life cycle? (Choose three.)
Marketing
Why wrong: Marketing is not part of SDLC.
Planning
Planning is the initial SDLC phase.
Deployment
Deployment is the release phase.
Debugging
Why wrong: Debugging is a testing activity, not a distinct phase.
Coding
Coding is the implementation phase.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Planning
The correct answers are A, B, and D: Planning, coding, and deployment. Debugging (C) is part of testing. Marketing (E) is not an SDLC phase.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Marketing
Why it's wrong here
Marketing is not part of SDLC.
Planning
Why this is correct
Planning is the initial SDLC phase.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Deployment
Why this is correct
Deployment is the release phase.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Debugging
Why it's wrong here
Debugging is a testing activity, not a distinct phase.
Coding
Why this is correct
Coding is the implementation phase.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Software Development Concepts — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Software Development Concepts — This question tests Software Development Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Planning — The correct answers are A, B, and D: Planning, coding, and deployment. Debugging (C) is part of testing. Marketing (E) is not an SDLC phase.
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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