Information Technology IT – 16 System life cycle | e-Consult

RAD is an iterative software development methodology that emphasizes rapid prototyping and user feedback. It aims to reduce development time by using techniques such as:

• Prototyping: Creating working prototypes early in the development process to gather user feedback and refine requirements.
• Timeboxing: Setting fixed time periods (timeboxes) for each phase of development.
• Use of reusable components: Leveraging pre-built components and libraries to speed up development.
• Parallel Development: Allowing different teams to work on different parts of the system concurrently.

Advantages of RAD:

• Faster development times: Rapid prototyping and parallel development can significantly reduce development time.
• Improved user satisfaction: Early and frequent user feedback ensures the software meets user needs.
• Reduced risk: Problems are identified and addressed early in the development process.

Disadvantages of RAD:

• Requires strong user involvement: RAD relies heavily on user feedback, so users must be available and engaged.
• Can be difficult to manage: Parallel development can be complex to coordinate.
• May compromise quality: The focus on speed can sometimes lead to shortcuts that compromise quality.
• Not suitable for large or complex projects: RAD is most effective for smaller, well-defined projects.

Example of a suitable application for RAD: A small business application, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) system or an internal database application. These projects typically have relatively well-understood requirements and can benefit from rapid prototyping and user feedback.