The conventional waterfall methodology is not as fast and cost-effective as the need for speedy application development and API integration. There have been endless issues with the waterfall method that suffered from the lack of iterative processes and were driven by strict deadlines. In a nutshell, the main issue with the waterfall method was that the development team would need to restart work almost from scratch again in case of changes mentioned by the customer. Organizations need rather choose the RAD Approach or the Rapid Application Development Process.
Knowing everything about RAD
RAD is an agile methodology invented about thirty years back by James Martin. RAD focuses on rapid development, prototyping and involves iterative processes. As per agile practices, RAD uses Feedback from the end-user to make iterative changes to the product. Today, more and more organizations are following the agile route– at least 97% of software companies are dependent on agile practices, some using the same in bits and pieces and some to a greater extent.
RAD is a software development process where:
- The approach is on ongoing projects
- The focus is on user feedback, and
- Move away from following a strict plan.
The RAD process consists of various steps as mentioned below:
- Defining Requirements — first, a loose and flexible requirement set is prepared to build in any change seamlessly.
- Step Two is prototyping — the objective here is to build a tangible something that can be shown to the client.
- Take Feedback — following the demonstration of the prototype; the RAD developers receive Feedback from the users or the client. The Feedback will have everything from the API to the functional aspects of the software or the App.
- Testing the product is vital. The codes need to be tested and re-tested for optimal results.
- Product Finalization — this step is where the product development is re-engineered or optimized. The backend production data is connected, maintenance tasks undertaken, and documentation work done before the product is handed over to the client.
How does RAD benefit organizations?
1. Speed of delivery — one of the biggest shortcomings of the waterfall method was the task after product delivery. Developers needed to spend considerable time making changes as per client requirements. The problem is aptly addressed in RAD, encouraging timely deliveries. The main point is that the client changes, from API to functionalities, are integrated with the development process.
2. Cost-effective — In RAD, since the end-user requirements are always integrated with the development process, the risks of rejected features are less, and therefore the time costs are reduced. Overall, it impacts the costs of the development of the App.
3. Positive development process- waterfall methodologies involved developers working in silos. They had no idea whether the client would appreciate their work or they would get brickbats. In RAD, the client is a part of the entire process, from the beginning till the end. Hence, when delivered, the product mostly meets up to the client’s expectations, meaning that developers get their due recognition and appreciation from everyone concerned.
Scenarios where RAD works best
Not all scenarios are viable for the Rapid Application Development process. Where does it suit you? In building an app or a customer-facing portal that requires two applications to communicate with each other or an API development, developers should consider RAD. In developing mission-critical software like implant firmware, RAD may not suffice and can be an inappropriate choice.
Conclusion
The main criteria for choosing RAD over other methods is to understand if the developers have access to Feedback from the end-users or not. They also need to understand if the team has the expertise to iterate rapidly. To understand if RAD is the best option or not for your software, it is best to speak with RAD specialists at iBoss, a top-end software development company.
