Rapid Application Development (RAD)

Overview

Rapid Application Development (RAD) emphasises quick development and iterative prototyping, with a focus on gathering user feedback to continuously refine the software.

Key Stages

1. Requirements Planning: Basic requirements are quickly gathered.
2. User Design: The development team and users work together to design the software using prototypes.
3. Construction: The software is rapidly developed with constant feedback from users.
4. Cutover: The final software is tested, deployed, and moved to production.

Benefits

• Quick Development: Prototyping and iterative feedback speed up development.
• High User Involvement: Ensures the software meets user needs effectively.
• Flexible: Allows changes and improvements at any stage.

Drawbacks

• Resource Intensive: Requires continuous involvement from users and developers.
• Less Focus on Scalability: Quick development may lead to design limitations in large-scale applications.
• Reliance on Skilled Developers: Effective use of RAD requires experienced developers comfortable with rapid prototyping.

Suitable Use Cases

Best for projects requiring a quick turnaround and ongoing user feedback, like internal business tools or customised applications.