What is the RAD Model? Phases, Advantages, and Disadvantages

What is RAD Model?

The RAD Model, also known as the Rapid Application Development Model, is a software development process that is based on prototyping with no specific planning. In RAD model, there is less attention paid to the planning and more priority is given to the development tasks. It targets at developing software in a short span of time.

SDLC RAD modeling has following phases

•Business Modeling

•Data Modeling

•Process Modeling

•Application Generation

•Testing and Turnover

Different Phases of RAD Model

There are following five major phases of Rapid Application Development Model

Business Modeling

On basis of the flow of information and distribution between various business channels, the product is designed.

Data Modeling

The information collected from business modeling is refined into a set of data objects that are significant for the business.

Process Modeling

The data object that is declared in the data modeling phase is transformed to achieve the information flow necessary to implement a business function.

Application Generation

Automated tools are used for the construction of the software, to convert process and data models into prototypes.

Testing and Turnover

As prototypes are individually tested during every iteration, the overall testing time is reduced in RAD.

When to use RAD Methodology?

•When a system needs to be produced in a short span of time (2-3 months)

•When the requirements are known

•When the user will be involved all through the life cycle

•When technical risk is less

•When there is a necessity to create a system that can be modularized in 2-3 months of time

•When a budget is high enough to afford designers for modeling along with the cost of automated tools for code generation

Rapid Application Development Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of RAD Model

•Flexible and adaptable to changes

•It is useful when you have to reduce the overall project risk

•It is adaptable and flexible to changes

•It is easier to transfer deliverables as scripts, high-level abstractions and intermediate codes are used

•Due to code generators and code reuse, there is a reduction of manual coding

•Due to prototyping in nature, there is a possibility of lesser defects

•Each phase in RAD delivers highest priority functionality to client

•With less people, productivity can be increased in short time

Disadvantages of RAD Model

•It can’t be used for smaller projects

•Not all application is compatible with RAD

•When technical risk is high, it is not suitable

•If developers are not committed to delivering software on time, RAD projects can fail

•Reduced features due to time boxing, where features are pushed to a later version to finish a release in short period

•Reduced scalability occurs because a RAD developed application begins as a prototype and evolves into a finished application

•Progress and problems accustomed are hard to track as such there is no documentation to demonstrate what has been done

•Requires highly skilled designers or developers

Summary

•RAD full form or RAD stands for: Rapid Application Development

•Rapid Application Development definition: Rapid Application Development model is a software development process based on prototyping without any specific planning.

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