Rapid Application Development: A Boon for App Developers

Rapid Application Development

Maximum time is spent on development and testing cycles. RAD has quickened the overall process. Rapid Application Development (RAD) provides fast prototyping and speedy feedback. RAD is a boon for developers as it reduces the need for numerous iterations and frequent software updates.  

Due to this powerful feature, developers are not required to begin everything from scratch. This improves the overall quality and requirements of the end-users. The developers can easily transform the design and can add any functionality as per their requirements.  

What to Expect from this Blog? 

  • Why is the RAD model useful? 
  • Advantages and disadvantages of Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model.  
  • Where can the RAD model be used? 
  • Key Take Away 

Why is the RAD Model Useful? 

The waterfall model has certain drawbacks. When a product has moved to the testing phase, a tester cannot reiterate and create any modifications in the code. This makes it uncertain whether the software will satisfy the requirements of the clients or not. 

RAD model came into existence in the 1980s. Previously, the RAD model was known as the spiral model where multiple models were used on one project. However, as the model evolved, RAD was certain that end-user requirements must be met at any cost.  

There are some fundamental steps in the Rapid Application Development (RAD) model: 

Defining the requirements:

In this, the broad requirements are discussed. The requirements will be analyzed according to different stages in the development cycle.  

Prototyping:

In this step the actual development takes place. Prototypes have been created that help in defining various features and functions. The final product is created at the end stage when the client is satisfied with the product. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model 

The advantages of Rapid Application Development are as follows: 

  • The requirements can be modified at any time 
  • The RAD model gives importance to customer feedback 
  • Enhances quick reviews 
  • Reduces the overall development time 
  • Productivity is improved 
  • Reduced time between prototypes and iterations 
  • Integration from the beginning of the project 

Disadvantages of Rapid Application Development are as follows: 

  • Requires strong team collaboration 
  • The RAD model does not work when teams are huge 
  • Requires highly capable developers 
  • User requirements are needed at every stage of the development cycle 
  • RAD model is good for projects that have short development time 
  • RAD model is more complicated 
  • Modular systems can be developed in the RAD model 

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Where can the RAD Model be Used? 

  • RAD model can be used where the prototypes are consistent and reliable feedback. 
  • The RAD model is inexpensive when compared to other models. 
  • The RAD model works best when you have a deadline. This is because there is no requirement for long planning and designing stages.  

Some Phases of RAD are as follows: 

Business Modelling:

The flow of information across business functions is well defined by answering a few questions. The answers for, what type of data, what data drives the business process and who generates it, need to be clarified. 

Data Modelling:

Organizations follow a particular business model to run the process smoothly. Data collected from the model is refined into a set of data objects. The company needs these objects to support the business.  

Process Modeling:

Information objects which are defined in the data modeling phase, are modified to arrive at a data flow. It is necessary for the business function. Organizations implement processing description to delete, modify, add and retrieve data object.  

Key Take Away 

RAD emphasizes knowledge and design process. Therefore, incorporating users and building basic prototypes are important steps in a RAD approach. Thus, end users get transformed into the entire process. Through consistent tweaking and testing RAD focuses to deliver products which resembles to user’s need.  

A few basic points about RAD: 

  • RAD model provides quick feedback and rapid prototyping. 
  • It focuses on quality and end user requirements 
  • RAD model is inexpensive 
  • The RAD model can be used where there is no requirement for long planning and designing phases.  

 FAQ’s 

Why is the RAD model used? 

The model provides rapid delivery by reducing the development time. This is done by reusing the components and parallel development can be done.  

What is the RAD model in JAVA? 

The rapid Application Development model is a software development model that follows a sequential approach. It uses an element-based construction approach. 

What are the 3 phases of the RAD model? 

The three fundamental phases of the RAD model are assessment, design, and implementation. All these 3 stages engage both the users and the analysts.  

Looking for a mobile app development partner to create empowering business apps?

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