Rapid Application Development (RAD) model has the following phases −

• Requirements Planning phase − In the requirements planning phase, aworkshop needs to be conducted to discuss business problems in a structured manner.

• User Description phase − In the User Description phase, automated tools are used to capture information from users.

• Construction phase − In the Construction phase, productivity tools, such as code generators, screen generators, etc. are used inside a time-box, with a “Do until Done” approach.

• Cut Over phase − In the Cut over phase, installation of the system, user acceptance testing and user training are performed.

Rapid Application Development Model – Strengths

The advantages or strengths of the Rapid Application Development model are as follows −

• Reduced cycle time and improved productivity with fewer team members would mean lower costs.

• Customer’s involvement throughout the complete cycle minimizes the risk of not achieving customer satisfaction and business value.

• Focus moves to the code in a what-you-see-is-what-you-get mode (WYSIWYG). This brings clarity on what is being built is the right thing.

• Uses modelling concepts to capture information about business, data, and processes.

Rapid Application Development Model – Weaknesses

The disadvantages or strengths of Rapid Application Development model are as follows −

• Accelerated development process must give quick responses to the user.

• Risk of never achieving closure.

• Hard to use with legacy systems.

• Developers and customers must be committed to rapid-fire activities in an abbreviated time frame.

When to Use Rapid Application Development Model?

Rapid Application Development model can be used when −

• User can be involved throughout the life cycle.
• Project can be time-boxed.
• Functionality can be delivered in increments.

Though the strengths of Rapid Application Development model are appreciated, it is sparingly used in the industry.