RAD rapid application development refers to a software development methodology in which very little planning is done in order to achieve rapid prototyping. This methodology was developed to respond to the need to urgently deliver projects. This technique may not be suitable for all projects particularly those in which reliability is a major concern like an aircraft monitoring system. The success of the RAD is determined by the project scope, circumstances and size.
Prototyping and the structural techniques are used to define the requirements of the users and to design the final system. The process begins with the designing of preliminary models of data and models of the activities of business which is done using the structured techniques. Prototyping is then used to verify the requirements and to refine the process models and the data. These stages are then repeated iteratively.
The main reason of prototyping is to ensure that the system can be demonstrated in the initial stages and any deficiencies identified and acted upon. Refining of the prototype is usually done based on the response of the target group. To be able to implement this method effectively one should have an open mind and should also accommodate changes along the way.
Iteration is very useful to the developers because it enables them to identify errors made and thus are able to work on them. The system is developed and then subjected to the target group to test its performance. If the results obtained are not satisfactory the process is repeated again to eliminate any shortcomings. This cycle is repeated until the system is able to effectively meet the user requirements. Time boxing is mainly concerned with the speed with which the delivery is made.
This method has overcome the shortcomings in the traditional methods because of the ability to deliver applications promptly and this made possible by the use software of different types. The creation of applications through traditional methods usually took a long time and therefore by the time they were complete the requirements had changed making them inadequate or even useless. This technique has ensured that user requirements are met at the right time.
The process of software development by use of this methodology has four phases. The planning of requirements is the first stage in which the potential users, managers and developers come up with the requirements of the system, constraints likely to be experienced and the actual scope of the project. The team has to agree on these key issues before further implementation can take place. The models and prototypes are designed in the user design phase which is the second stage.
The real work of program development is done in the construction phase. The users of the system still have an opportunity to participate in the process. They are allowed to suggest improvements or changes as the reports are developed. The main tasks carried out in this phase are coding and application development, programming, unit integration and testing of the overall system. The final tasks are conducted in the cut-over phase and these are data conversion, system testing, changeover process and user education and training. This process delivers a working system in a very short time as compared to the other traditional methods.
The RAD rapid application development methodology have advantages such as increased quality and development speed, low maintenance costs, interoperability and some are portable. The speed of development is increased by use of CASE tools and the improved quality is achieved by involving the users in the initial stages of the process. The main disadvantage is reduced features and scalability in the systems.
Prototyping and the structural techniques are used to define the requirements of the users and to design the final system. The process begins with the designing of preliminary models of data and models of the activities of business which is done using the structured techniques. Prototyping is then used to verify the requirements and to refine the process models and the data. These stages are then repeated iteratively.
The main reason of prototyping is to ensure that the system can be demonstrated in the initial stages and any deficiencies identified and acted upon. Refining of the prototype is usually done based on the response of the target group. To be able to implement this method effectively one should have an open mind and should also accommodate changes along the way.
Iteration is very useful to the developers because it enables them to identify errors made and thus are able to work on them. The system is developed and then subjected to the target group to test its performance. If the results obtained are not satisfactory the process is repeated again to eliminate any shortcomings. This cycle is repeated until the system is able to effectively meet the user requirements. Time boxing is mainly concerned with the speed with which the delivery is made.
This method has overcome the shortcomings in the traditional methods because of the ability to deliver applications promptly and this made possible by the use software of different types. The creation of applications through traditional methods usually took a long time and therefore by the time they were complete the requirements had changed making them inadequate or even useless. This technique has ensured that user requirements are met at the right time.
The process of software development by use of this methodology has four phases. The planning of requirements is the first stage in which the potential users, managers and developers come up with the requirements of the system, constraints likely to be experienced and the actual scope of the project. The team has to agree on these key issues before further implementation can take place. The models and prototypes are designed in the user design phase which is the second stage.
The real work of program development is done in the construction phase. The users of the system still have an opportunity to participate in the process. They are allowed to suggest improvements or changes as the reports are developed. The main tasks carried out in this phase are coding and application development, programming, unit integration and testing of the overall system. The final tasks are conducted in the cut-over phase and these are data conversion, system testing, changeover process and user education and training. This process delivers a working system in a very short time as compared to the other traditional methods.
The RAD rapid application development methodology have advantages such as increased quality and development speed, low maintenance costs, interoperability and some are portable. The speed of development is increased by use of CASE tools and the improved quality is achieved by involving the users in the initial stages of the process. The main disadvantage is reduced features and scalability in the systems.
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