RAD MODEL

What is Rapid Application Development (RAD)?

Rapid Application Development or RAD means an

adaptive software development model based on
prototyping and quick feedback with less emphasis on
specific planning. In general, the RAD approach
prioritizes development and building a prototype,
rather than planning. With rapid application
development, developers can quickly make multiple
iterations and updates to the software without starting
from scratch. This helps ensure that the final outcome
is more quality-focused and aligns with the end users’
requirements.
“One of the major advantages of rapid application
development is that you can change the design, add
functionality, and keep reiterating as frequently as
possible without having to start from scratch each
time."
A major challenge with the waterfall model is that
once the product moves into the testing phase, the
tester cannot go back to reiterate and make changes
to the core functions and features. This essentially
leaves teams with a software that may or may not fit
the end-users’ evolving requirements.
Rapid Application Development (RAD) was conceived in the
1980s, so it’s definitely not something new. But unlike the
waterfall model, it’s not singular. It’s a continuous evolution of
development philosophies according to the requirement at that
particular time.

The worldwide market for Rapid Application Development is

projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of 42.8% from 2022 to 2027

Initially, Barry Boehm, James Martin, and a number of others

saw that software was not limited to traditional methods of
engineering. It wasn’t a singular resource that required a fixed
structure. It was malleable to suit the needs of the user.
Why do you use Rapid Application Development?
RAD is the best approach to develop prototypes swiftly
for testing software functionalities without worrying
about any effects on the end product. Businesses opt
RAD approach as it requires little focus on the planning
phase while enabling the team to design, review, and
iterate features and functionalities quickly.

Initially, rapid application development took the shape of

the Spiral model [2], where one or more development
models were used to work on a particular project.
Over time, RAD phases have changed. It molded
itself to fit the requirements of the time while
retaining some core development guidelines. The
RAD approach is driven by user interface needs and
is perfect for application development requiring
quick development and deployment. With visual
interface tools and pre-built modules, RAD helps
create software apps quickly and easily. Businesses
adopt different types of rapid app development
because of their agility, flexibility, and scalability.
Here are the tree basic steps of RAD:
1. Define the requirements

At the very beginning, rapid application development

sets itself apart from traditional software
development models. It doesn’t require you to sit
with end users and get a detailed list of
specifications; instead, it asks for a broad
requirement. The broad nature of the requirements
helps you take the time to segment specific
requirements at different points of the development
cycle.
2. Prototype

This is where the actual development takes place. Instead of

following a rigid set of requirements, developers create
prototypes with different features and functions as fast as they
can. These prototypes are then shown to the clients who decide
what they like and what they don’t.

More often than not, these prototypes are quickly made to work
to showcase just the key features. This is normal, and the final
product is only created during the finalization stage where the
client and developer are in alignment with the final product.
3. Construction

The construction stage is a crucial stage of

development. Engineers and developers work
tirelessly to flesh out a working system from a
working model. Feedback and reviews are crucial at
this stage and most bugs, issues, and alterations are
addressed during this stage. This stage can be
particularly long, especially in cases where clients
change directions or feedback is intensive.
Benefits of Rapid Application
Development (RAD) model
Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a software
development methodology that prioritizes rapid
prototyping and quick feedback over long, drawn-out
development and testing cycles. Here's how RAD's
accelerated development cycles contribute to overall
value generation for businesses:
Faster Time-to-Market: RAD uses iterative
development and prototyping, which means that
usable parts of the software can be delivered quickly.
This allows businesses to bring their products to
market faster, which can provide a significant
competitive advantage.
Cost Savings: Since RAD involves continuous user
feedback, errors and issues are identified and
rectified early in the development process. This
reduces the cost and effort required for extensive
debugging later on. Additionally, since the product
reaches the market quicker, the revenue stream
begins sooner, contributing to better financial
performance.
Increased Value Generation: RAD allows for the
frequent release of smaller features, which not only
keeps the end-users engaged but also provides them
with immediate value. Moreover, as the end-users
are involved throughout the development process,
the final product tends to be more aligned with their
needs, thereby increasing its overall value.
Reduced Risk: With its focus on incremental
development, RAD reduces the risk of project
failures. Since each small iteration is manageable and
can be easily tested, the risk of any major issue
affecting the entire project is significantly reduced.
RAD promotes cross-functional
collaboration
Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a highly
collaborative model, designed to bring together IT
teams, business stakeholders, and end users. This
collaboration is essential for ensuring alignment and
delivering the best possible product.
User Involvement: RAD encourages active user
involvement throughout the development process.
Users are often considered part of the development
team, providing continuous feedback and input. This
ensures that the final product meets user needs and
expectations, which is particularly important in
enterprises where the software must support
complex business processes.
Rapid Application Development Advantages and
Disadvantages

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
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
Summary
RAD full form or RAD stands for: Rapid Application
DevelopmentRapid Application Development
definition: Rapid Application Development model is a
software development process based on prototyping
without any specific planning.