Rapid Application Development (RAD) PDF

VISUAL PROGRAMMING NAME:A.W Chapter One Rapid Application Development (RAD) 1  Introduction The RAD model or Rapid Application Development model is a type of software development methodology th...

VISUAL PROGRAMMING NAME:A.W Chapter One Rapid Application Development (RAD) 1  Introduction The RAD model or Rapid Application Development model is a type of software development methodology that emphasizes quick and iterative release cycles, primarily focusing on delivering working software in shorter timelines. Rapid Application Development (RAD) refers to a development life cycle designed to give faster development and higher quality systems than the traditional one Unlike traditional models such as the Waterfall model, RAD is designed to be more flexible and responsive to user feedback and changing requirements throughout the development process. IBM first proposed the Rapid Application Development or RAD Model in the 1980s. The RAD model is a type of incremental process model in which there is a concise development cycle. The RAD model is used when the requirements are fully understood and the component- based construction approach is adopted. Various phases in RAD are – Requirements Gathering Analysis and Planning, Design, Build or Construction, and finally Deployment 2  Con’t It is designed to take advantage of powerful development software like CASE tools, prototyping tools and code generators. The key objectives of RAD are High Speed, High Quality and Low Cost. RAD is a people- centred and incremental development approach. Active user involvement, as well as collaboration and co-operation between all stakeholders are imperative. Testing is integrated throughout the development life cycle so that the system is tested and reviewed by both developers and users incrementally. 3 RAD life cycle 4  Phases A rapid application development cycle consists of four steps: Define project requirements; Prototype; Rapid construction & feedback gathering; and Finalize product / implementation 5  ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF RAD RAD has four essential ingredients :  Tools  Methodology  People and  Management 6  BENEFITS OF RAD The following benefits can be realized in using RAD: High quality system will be delivered because of methodology, tools and user involvement; Business benefits can be realized earlier; Capacity will be utilized to meet a specific and urgent business need; Standards and consistency can be enforced through the use of CASE tools. In the long run, we will also achieve that: - Time required to get system developed will be reduced; Productivity of developers will be increased. 7  RAD STRUCTURAL MODEL OVERVIEW STRUCTURE COMPONENT The structure of RAD is divided into Stages. Each Stage consists of a number of tasks. For each Task, the Structural Model defines clearly the objectives, inputs, outputs, techniques to be used, roles involved and a list of sub-tasks to be carried out within the Task. 8 Con’t 9 OVERVIEW OF STRUCTURE 10  When to use the RAD Model? Well-understood Requirements: When project requirements are stable and transparent, RAD is appropriate. Time-sensitive Projects: Suitable for projects that need to be developed and delivered quickly due to tight deadlines. Small to Medium-Sized Projects: Better suited for smaller initiatives requiring a controllable number of team members. High User Involvement: Fits where ongoing input and interaction from users are essential. Innovation and Creativity: Helpful for tasks requiring creative inquiry and innovation. Prototyping: It is necessary when developing and improving prototypes is a key component of the development process. Low technological Complexity: Suitable for tasks using comparatively straightforward technological specifications. 11  Objectives of RAD 1. Speedy Development Accelerating the software development process is RAD’s main goal. RAD prioritizes rapid prototyping and iterations to produce a working system as soon as possible. This is especially helpful for projects when deadlines must be met. 2. Adaptability and Flexibility RAD places a strong emphasis on adapting quickly to changing needs. Due to the model’s flexibility, stakeholders can modify and improve the system in response to changing requirements and user input. 12  Con’t 3. Stakeholder Participation Throughout the development cycle, RAD promotes end users and stakeholders’ active participation. Collaboration and frequent feedback make it possible to make sure that the changing system satisfies both user and corporate needs. 4. Improved Interaction Development teams and stakeholders may collaborate and communicate more effectively thanks to RAD. Frequent communication and feedback loops guarantee that all project participants are in agreement, which lowers the possibility of misunderstandings. 13  Con’t 5. Improved Quality via Prototyping Prototypes enable early system component testing and visualization in Rapid Application Development (RAD). This aids in spotting any problems, confirming design choices, and guaranteeing that the finished product lives up to consumer expectations. 6. Customer Satisfaction Delivering a system that closely satisfies user expectations and needs is the goal of RAD. Through rapid delivery of functioning prototypes and user involvement throughout the development process, Rapid Application Development (RAD) enhances the probability of customer satisfaction with the final product. 14  Advantages of RAD The use of reusable components helps to reduce the cycle time of the project. Feedback from the customer is available at the initial stages. Reduced costs as fewer developers are required. The use of powerful development tools results in better quality products in comparatively shorter periods. The progress and development of the project can be measured through the various stages. It is easier to accommodate changing requirements due to the short iteration time spans. Productivity may be quickly boosted with a lower number of employees. 15  Disadvantages of RAD The use of powerful and efficient tools requires highly skilled professionals. The absence of reusable components can lead to the failure of the project. The team leader must work closely with the developers and customers to close the project on time. The systems which cannot be modularized suitably cannot use this model. Customer involvement is required throughout the life cycle. It is not meant for small-scale projects as in such cases, the cost of using automated tools and techniques may exceed the entire budget of the project. Not every application can be used with RAD. 16 SDLC vs RAD 17  Conclusion The Rapid Application Development (RAD) model offers a powerful approach to software development, focusing on speed, flexibility, and stakeholder involvement. By enabling quick iterations and the use of reusable components, RAD ensures the fast delivery of functional prototypes, enhancing user satisfaction and project adaptability. However, its reliance on highly skilled developers, modular design, and automated tools presents challenges, particularly for projects with complex requirements or limited resources. 18  Thank You 19