- Rapid Application Development Model.
- It is a type of Incremental Model.
- It is high speed adaptation of Waterfall model.
- In it projects are developed in component as mini projects.
- Than mini projects are assembled in a single project.
- It takes very short period of time to construct a project.
- Customers can give feedback easily on mini projects as well as on complete project.
Following is the illustration of RAD Model:
Advantages of RAD Model:
1. Rapid prototyping: The RAD model allows for rapid prototyping and early user feedback, which can help to identify and address design issues and improve the final product.
2. Reduced development time: The RAD model can help to reduce development time, as the emphasis on rapid prototyping and iterative development can help to speed up the overall development process.
3. Improved collaboration: The RAD model encourages collaboration between developers, stakeholders, and end-users, which can help to ensure that the final product meets the needs and requirements of all stakeholders.
4. Increased flexibility: The RAD model is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for changes to be made throughout the development process as requirements evolve or new information becomes available.
5. Lower development costs: The RAD model can help to reduce development costs, as the emphasis on rapid prototyping and iterative development can help to identify and address issues earlier in the development process, which can help to reduce the costs associated with rework and redesign.
Disadvantages of RAD Model:
1. Dependence on user feedback: The RAD model relies heavily on user feedback and involvement throughout the development process. This can be a disadvantage if the user is not available or engaged in the project, which can cause delays or lead to a product that does not fully meet the user’s needs.
2. Limited scalability: The RAD model is best suited for smaller projects, as it may not be as effective for larger, more complex projects. This is because the rapid prototyping and iterative development approach may not scale well to larger teams or projects with more complex requirements.
3. Increased risk of scope creep: The flexibility and iterative nature of the RAD model can lead to an increased risk of scope creep. This is where the project scope expands beyond the original requirements, leading to delays, increased costs, and potential quality issues.
4. Higher cost of development: While the RAD model can help to reduce development time and costs in some cases, it can also result in higher costs if there are significant changes to the design or requirements during the development process.
5. Potential for reduced quality: The focus on rapid prototyping and iterative development may lead to a reduction in the quality of the final product, as there may be less time for thorough testing and refinement.
When to use RAD Model:
- When there is need to develop system within short period of time (2-3 months).
- When there is high availability of developers.
- When budget is high enough to afford the development cost.