Introduction
Software Process Model Articles Series,
- What is Software Development Life Cycle
- Waterfall Model Used In Software Development
- Iterative Model Used In Software Development
- Spiral Model Used In Software Development
- V-Model Used In Software Development
- Big-Bang Model Used In Software Development
- Agile Model Used In Software Development
The RAD (Rapid Application Development) is based on prototyping and iterative development with no specific planning required. The process of writing the software itself involves planning for the development of software products. RAD (Rapid Application Development) is focusing gathering requirements through workshops and focus groups during the early stage of the testing. Rap uses the iterative approach for software development and reuses the prototype in later stages of development.
What is RAD (Rapid Application Development)?
Rapid Application development is the software development methodology that uses minimal planning in favor of rapid prototyping. A prototyping is the working model of the software in the rad functionalities of the system that is developed in parallel as a prototype and integrated at the end for the complete product for faster product delivery. RAD uses the incremental and iterative approach for the development of software products. For this purpose, we have small teams and domain experts, and IT experts working to gather software prototyping for faster and quality products. The most important part of the software is to develop the best and reusable prototype.
RAD Model Design
Rad model distributes the analysis, Design, Build, and test phase into the short and iterative development cycle. Like
Step 1. Business Modeling
The business modeling for the software product under development is designed in terms of the flow of information and distribution of information between the different business channels. In this stage, complete business analysis for vital information for business, but this information can be gotten from the successful flow of the information between different distribution channels.
Step 2. Data Modeling
The information gathered from different distribution channels in the business modeling phase is analyzed in the data modeling phase in the form of sets. The attributes of all data sets. In this phase, we defined and identify all the data sets and the relation between these data objects established and defined in detail in the business model.
Step 3. Process Modeling
The data object defined and identified in the data modeling is converted to establish the business information flow needed to establish the business objectives as per the business model designed in the first phase of the RAD Model. Process modeling describes any change and enhancement to the data sets, adding, deleting, updating, and modifying the data objects described by process modeling.
Step 4. Application Generation
The actual product is built in the coding phase using the automation phase to convert the process data into a prototype.
Step 5. Testing and Turnover
The overall testing time in the RAD model is reduced because RAD us prototypes, so the testing process is continuous, and prototypes are tested in every iteration. But the data flow and the interface between the components are thoroughly tested with complete test coverage. So, most of the components of the software product are tested already, so the issues and risks are minimal.
Applications
RAD Model is widely used in the software development industry. Given below points explains the usage of the RAD model in the industry.
- Rad Model is used when the project can be modularized and delivered in an incremental manner.
- It should be used with the high availability of the designer for design modeling.
- It should be used when the domain experts are available with maximum business knowledge.
- It should be used when the requirements change during the project and prototypes are presented to the customer in every iteration.
Advantages of Rad Model
- Changing requirements at any stage can be accommodated.
- Progress can be measured.
- Reduce development time.
- Encourage customer feedback
- A quick review of the initial software product
Disadvantages of Rad Model
- Management of all activities of the software product is more complex
- Highly depend on the effective and efficient team members for describing system requirements
- Suitable for a system that is components based and scalable
- Suitable for a project that takes short development time
- Management complexity is more