RAD Model
RAD model stands for rapid application development model. The methodology of RAD model is similar to that of incremental or waterfall model. It is used for small projects.
If the project is large then it is divided into many small projects and these small projects are planned one by one and completed. In this way, by completing small projects, the large project gets ready quickly.
In RAD model, the project is completed within the given time and all the requirements are collected before starting the project. It is very fast and there are very less errors in it.
The main objective of RAD model is to reuse code, components, tools, processes in project development.
RAD Model
The following phases are followed in RAD model:-
- Business modeling: In this phase, the business model is designed on the basis of whatever functions the business has. If we speak in a little technical language, then we design the business model for the product on the basis of flow of information and distribution of information between different business channels. Here information flow means what type of information drives the business, where the information comes from and where it goes, who generates it, etc. This means that a complete business analysis is done in this phase.
- Data modeling: Using the business model we had prepared, the data objects required for the business are defined.
- Process modeling: The data objects that we defined in the data modeling phase are converted to establish the business information flow. It is necessary to achieve specific business objectives.
- Application generation: In this phase we start building the software based on the output of the above three phases. For this we take the help of automation tools. However, in this phase we do not develop the actual software but make a working prototype.
- Testing and turnover: Whatever prototype we have prepared or whatever components and interfaces we have, they are tested in this phase. Since prototypes are tested separately during each iteration, the overall testing time in rapid application development is reduced.
Advantage of RAD Model:-
- It reduces the time taken in development.
- In this the components are reused.
- It is flexible and it is easy to make any changes in it.
- It is easy to transfer like scripts because high level abstraction and intermediate codes are used in it.
- There are very few defects in it because it is a prototype by nature.
- In this, productivity can be increased in less time with less people.
- It is cost effective.
- It is suitable for small projects.
Disadvantages of RAD Model:-
- In this we need highly skilled developers and designers.
- It is very difficult to manage.
- It is not suitable for project that are complex and takes long time.
- In this, feedback from the client is required for the development of each phase.
- Automated code generation is very expensive.
- This model is suitable only for component based and scalable systems.
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