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Posts Tagged ‘rapid application development’

How maximum you can provide in less time and in lower cost is the key of success in today’s competitive business world.

In the field of application development, the term Rapid Application Development (RAD) has been recognized for bringing amazing results in saving the precious time of the developers as well as application owner. According to this methodology, of developing applications rapidly usually takes 30 to 90 days of development time.

Prior to the introduction of RAD, development of the applications rapidly were very complex and it used to take a very long time. Gradually with the increasing demands of the applications and introduction of new technologies RAD methodology reached to maximum developers. There are various tools used in RAD methodology such as VB, Visual C++ as visual tools and Rational tools as CASE tools, which are only based on RAD methodology. If developers use Rational Rose in designing, then code can generate automatically in programming languages like C++ and VB. For instance if developer is working with MS front page and designs web-page layout & its content, then HTML code for the application will be automatically generated. Developers can find various methods of RAD, which can be applied for the application construction. There are many payable and free libraries are available for seeking functionality for application development only correct linking of these libraries are required.

Developers prefer using RAD methodology in application development because it provides various benefits like improved speed due to rapid prototyping, it increases end user utility, it helps in lowering the cost, no more testing efforts required, improve quality & reduce time in development due to automatic code generation and provide simplicity & usability of graphic user interface (GUI). All above benefits are achieved by developers by using various RAD tools like Cross-Platform Rapid Application Development tools, Desktop Rapid Application Development tools, Database Rapid Application Development Tools, etc. Fast moving world of application development is the result of increasing demands of busy masses of the modern users of Information & technology. There are two most popular Rapid development Application systems are Delphi & Visual basic for Windows.

While having so many advantages RAD methodologies are not used for the big applications, as big applications always tends to be expanded according to requirements and not fixed or pre-defined. It is suggested by most of the experts that RAD methodologies are not suitable for the complex and big application development, it is best when requirements are specified and well-known. For the development of low-risk application RAD methodologies are best.

Confused about the title? Well here is what I’m trying to say. I initially wrote this song with an old band “Prototype Syndicate” back in 2002. I decided to dig back into the past and revive this song as a drum cover. Why? WHy not! yeah, I wasn’t very solid back then, nor could I double bass worth a shit. This was 8 years ago! Now you guys can see how much I actually have progressed in the past few years, but also make a note that before I recorded this song, originally, I was idle from a kit for over a year. My ex-guitarist put up a myspace of this band’s songs. We recorded a 4-song demo and you can hear all 4 of them here: www.myspace.com
Video Rating: 5 / 5

What is rapid application development (RAD) and how can it help user interface designers?

Rapid application development is a software development methodology that emphasizes minimal planning and rapid prototyping.  It is an act first, think later method. The planning takes place through the fast flow of creative ideas and problem solving that take place during the rapid prototyping process.  Thus, rapid application development is very flexible and leaves room for endless improvements and a quicker software writing process.  In this article I will take a look at the history of the method as well as the pros and cons of using the strategy in user interface design.

Rapid application development: history and implementation

Rapid application development was introduced as a software design method in 1991 by James Martin, an IT consultant and Pulitzer Prize nominated author.  Since its inception, rapid application development (RAD) has evolved from strictly iterative development and prototypes to a method that can be defined more broadly, encompassing the use of various software frameworks and web application frameworks.

Rapid application development is a method that is designed first and foremost to deliver systems fast.  Before venturing down this speedy path in a user interface design project, make sure that you are using it to develop an interface design that can be delivered quickly.  For example, it is probably not the best method for designing a complex air traffic control system, but would work well if you are revamping an extant e-Commerce site.  Here are a few criteria that can help you discern whether or not to implement the method for the design of your new user interface:

•    Project Scope: a project with a scope that is narrow and well-defined is suitable for rapid application development, but a project with a broad and obscure scope is not.

•    Project Data: Project data that already exists (and therefore does not need to be analyzed) is suitable for RAD, but project data that needs to be generated and analyzed is not.

•    Project Decisions: Project decisions that can be made quickly by a small group of people who are always on-call are suitable for RAD, project decisions that must be made by a wide-range of people who are not always available are not.

•    Project Team: A small project team (about six or less) is suitable for RAD, a large product team (more than six) is not.

The abovementioned criteria can serve as a guideline to help you discern whether or not rapid application development is the right user interface design method for you, but it is ultimately your choice. If you do decide that rapid application development is a good fit, a typical RAD process can be broken down into the following steps:

•    Select a team: you should choose a team of designers/collaborators who will be able to give timely, efficient input and feedback.

•    Analysis: Assess your project goals and understand what you need to do, why you need to do it, and how you need to do it to realize the goal of your project.

•    Design workshop: Create a design workshop during which you and your team can rapidly iterate, prototype and conduct usability tests on each updated version of your user interface design until it has reached a point of satisfaction that aligns itself with your goals. At this point you are ready for implementation. The process of RAD is relatively unstructured so as not to impede the creative flow, but make sure you can work many uninterrupted hours—RAD is not for the faint of heart.

Pros and Cons of rapid application development in user interface design projects

Rapid application development can be a very effective user interface design method if used for the right reasons and under the right circumstances.  RAD promotes a collaborative and creative environment in which all stakeholders can take part in a very detailed project.  RAD can give fast results and bring forth successful new ideas that might have seemed too risky to use in a more deliberate process. However, RAD also has its drawbacks.  Its use is contingence upon a strong, cohesive team that does not have time constraints.  Its quick nature can allow for many errors and does not promote organization or well-thought-out solutions.  However, experience shows that the consequences of RAD pitfalls can generally be avoided if you carefully assess whether or not it is an appropriate method for your project—careful assessment at the beginning can open the floodgates to rapid success.

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My granddaughter can not understand this so she asked me. I never took computer fundamentals/ PLease help 10 points. Thank you.

1. Which of the following is a component of both the Software Development Life Cycle and Rapid Application Development processes?
A. phased conversion method
B. development of prototypes
C. joint application design (JAD) workshops
D. joint requirements planning (JRP) workshops

2. _______________________ tools are graphical, interactive tools for analysis and design phases of software development.
A. object-oriented systems analysis (OOSA)
B. joint application design (JAD) workshops
C. joint requirements planning (JRP) workshops
D. computer-aided software engineering (CASE)

3. The Rapid Application Development transition phase is similar to the Software Development Life Cycle ______________ phase.
A. implementation
B. systems design
C. development
D. conversion

4. One thing that makes Rapid Application Development unique is that during the user design phase, an organization may use ___________ to complete system analysis and design of the new information system.
A. joint application design (JAD)
B. rapid construction
C. object-oriented systems analysis (OOSA)
D. joint requirements planning (JRP)

5. _____ and ______ both use highly structured workshops in the Rapid Application Development process.
A. JAD; RAD
B. JRP; ERP
C. JRP; JAD
D. CASE; JAD

1. When developers start to acquire equipment or software, the __________ stage of the Systems Development Life Cycle has been reached.
A. development
B. design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

2. A __________ implementation of software in the Systems Development Life Cycle will involve employees utilizing one part at a time.
A. parallel
B. direct
C. phased
D. pilot

3. Adding new features is typically performed during the __________ phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. implementation
B. needs analysis
C. development
D. maintenance

4. High intensity and level of commitment required in the first __________ phases of Rapid Application Development are expected to shorten the entire development process.
A. two
B. three
C. five
D. six

5. Senior managers but not end users participate during the __________ sessions for Rapid Application Development.
A. needs analysis
B. joint requirements planning
C. joint applications design
D. object oriented system analysis

6. An analysis of the current system is performed during the __________ phase of Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. development
B. systems design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

7. In __________, team members start with the big picture and move to the details.
A. top-down design
B. bottom-up design
C. object oriented system analysis
D. rapid application design

8. Many teams use working models called __________ to explore the look and feel of screens with users.
A. demos
B. prototypes
C. objects
D. designs

9. In the needs analysis section of the Systems Development Life Cycle, the __________ typically defines a need for a new system.
A. IT manager
B. system analyst
C. user
D. technical writer

10. What phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle may involve a small group of testers?
A. maintenance
B. needs analysis
C. implementation
D. development

11. During the development phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

12. By using ____________, developers can visually describe the events and actions that can occur in an information system.
A. structured English
B. data flow diagrams
C. prototypes
D. decision trees

13. Which of the following is computer software used to develop other computer software quickly and reliably?
A. decision trees
B. prototyping
C. data flow diagrams
D. computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools

14. During the maintenance phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

15. Joint requirements planning and joint applications design both use highly structured ________________for Rapid Application Development.
A. programming
B. objects
C. workshops
D. rules

16. Rapid Application Development (RAD) is unique from the Systems Development Life Cycle during the requirements planning phase because in RAD, an organization may use ___________ to identify high-level, strategic management requirements.
A. joint application design (JAD)
B. rapid construction
C. object-oriented systems analysis OOSA
D. joint requirements planning (JRP)

17. Why is the Rapid Application Development user design phase generally completed faster than the Systems Development Life Cycle systems design phase?
A. JLP workshops require senior management to make decisions about design.
B. JAD workshops allow users and developers to work together in the design phase.
C. SDLC systems design requires the use of CASE tools.
D. RAD user design phase has to be completed in less than a week.

18. When users have specific requirements for output that must contain certain pieces of information, the development team will likely use a ______________.
A. bottom-up design
B. top-down design
C. conversion
D. pilot

19. The Rapid Application Development transition phase is similar to the Systems Development Life Cycle ______________ phase.
A. maintenance
B. systems design
C. development
D. implementation

20. The process of moving from an old system to a new system is called _____________.
A. implementation
B. acquisition
C. conversion
D. systems design

21. Joint application design (JAD) was originally created for use in the development of ______

1. When developers start to acquire equipment or software, the __________ stage of the Systems Development Life Cycle has been reached.
A. development
B. design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

2. A __________ implementation of software in the Systems Development Life Cycle will involve employees utilizing one part at a time.
A. parallel
B. direct
C. phased
D. pilot

3. Adding new features is typically performed during the __________ phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. implementation
B. needs analysis
C. development
D. maintenance

4. High intensity and level of commitment required in the first __________ phases of Rapid Application Development are expected to shorten the entire development process.
A. two
B. three
C. five
D. six

5. Senior managers but not end users participate during the __________ sessions for Rapid Application Development.
A. needs analysis
B. joint requirements planning
C. joint applications design
D. object oriented system analysis

6. An analysis of the current system is performed during the __________ phase of Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. development
B. systems design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

7. In __________, team members start with the big picture and move to the details.
A. top-down design
B. bottom-up design
C. object oriented system analysis
D. rapid application design

8. Many teams use working models called __________ to explore the look and feel of screens with users.
A. demos
B. prototypes
C. objects
D. designs

9. In the needs analysis section of the Systems Development Life Cycle, the __________ typically defines a need for a new system.
A. IT manager
B. system analyst
C. user
D. technical writer

10. What phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle may involve a small group of testers?
A. maintenance
B. needs analysis
C. implementation
D. development

11. During the development phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

12. By using ____________, developers can visually describe the events and actions that can occur in an information system.
A. structured English
B. data flow diagrams
C. prototypes
D. decision trees

13. Which of the following is computer software used to develop other computer software quickly and reliably?
A. decision trees
B. prototyping
C. data flow diagrams
D. computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools

14. During the maintenance phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

15. Joint requirements planning and joint applications design both use highly structured ________________for Rapid Application Development.
A. programming
B. objects
C. workshops
D. rules

16. Rapid Application Development (RAD) is unique from the Systems Development Life Cycle during the requirements planning phase because in RAD, an organization may use ___________ to identify high-level, strategic management requirements.
A. joint application design (JAD)
B. rapid construction
C. object-oriented systems analysis OOSA
D. joint requirements planning (JRP)

17. Why is the Rapid Application Development user design phase generally completed faster than the Systems Development Life Cycle systems design phase?
A. JLP workshops require senior management to make decisions about design.
B. JAD workshops allow users and developers to work together in the design phase.
C. SDLC systems design requires the use of CASE tools.
D. RAD user design phase has to be completed in less than a week.

18. When users have specific requirements for output that must contain certain pieces of information, the development team will likely use a ______________.
A. bottom-up design
B. top-down design
C. conversion
D. pilot

19. The Rapid Application Development transition phase is similar to the Systems Development Life Cycle ______________ phase.
A. maintenance
B. systems design
C. development
D. implementation

20. The process of moving from an old system to a new system is called _____________.
A. implementation
B. acquisition
C. conversion
D. systems design

21. Joint application design (JAD) was originally created for use in the development of ______

1. When developers start to acquire equipment or software, the __________ stage of the Systems Development Life Cycle has been reached.
A. development
B. design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

2. A __________ implementation of software in the Systems Development Life Cycle will involve employees utilizing one part at a time.
A. parallel
B. direct
C. phased
D. pilot

3. Adding new features is typically performed during the __________ phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. implementation
B. needs analysis
C. development
D. maintenance

4. High intensity and level of commitment required in the first __________ phases of Rapid Application Development are expected to shorten the entire development process.
A. two
B. three
C. five
D. six

5. Senior managers but not end users participate during the __________ sessions for Rapid Application Development.
A. needs analysis
B. joint requirements planning
C. joint applications design
D. object oriented system analysis

6. An analysis of the current system is performed during the __________ phase of Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. development
B. systems design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

7. In __________, team members start with the big picture and move to the details.
A. top-down design
B. bottom-up design
C. object oriented system analysis
D. rapid application design

8. Many teams use working models called __________ to explore the look and feel of screens with users.
A. demos
B. prototypes
C. objects
D. designs

9. In the needs analysis section of the Systems Development Life Cycle, the __________ typically defines a need for a new system.
A. IT manager
B. system analyst
C. user
D. technical writer

10. What phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle may involve a small group of testers?
A. maintenance
B. needs analysis
C. implementation
D. development

11. During the development phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

12. By using ____________, developers can visually describe the events and actions that can occur in an information system.
A. structured English
B. data flow diagrams
C. prototypes
D. decision trees

13. Which of the following is computer software used to develop other computer software quickly and reliably?
A. decision trees
B. prototyping
C. data flow diagrams
D. computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools

14. During the maintenance phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

15. Joint requirements planning and joint applications design both use highly structured ________________for Rapid Application Development.
A. programming
B. objects
C. workshops
D. rules

16. Rapid Application Development (RAD) is unique from the Systems Development Life Cycle during the requirements planning phase because in RAD, an organization may use ___________ to identify high-level, strategic management requirements.
A. joint application design (JAD)
B. rapid construction
C. object-oriented systems analysis OOSA
D. joint requirements planning (JRP)

17. Why is the Rapid Application Development user design phase generally completed faster than the Systems Development Life Cycle systems design phase?
A. JLP workshops require senior management to make decisions about design.
B. JAD workshops allow users and developers to work together in the design phase.
C. SDLC systems design requires the use of CASE tools.
D. RAD user design phase has to be completed in less than a week.

18. When users have specific requirements for output that must contain certain pieces of information, the development team will likely use a ______________.
A. bottom-up design
B. top-down design
C. conversion
D. pilot

19. The Rapid Application Development transition phase is similar to the Systems Development Life Cycle ______________ phase.
A. maintenance
B. systems design
C. development
D. implementation

20. The process of moving from an old system to a new system is called _____________.
A. implementation
B. acquisition
C. conversion
D. systems design

21. Joint application design (JAD) was originally created for use in the development of ______

When developers start to acquire equipment or software, the __________ stage of the Systems Development Life Cycle has been reached.
A. development
B. design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

2. A __________ implementation of software in the Systems Development Life Cycle will involve employees utilizing one part at a time.
A. parallel
B. direct
C. phased
D. pilot

3. Adding new features is typically performed during the __________ phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. implementation
B. needs analysis
C. development
D. maintenance

4. High intensity and level of commitment required in the first __________ phases of Rapid Application Development are expected to shorten the entire development process.
A. two
B. three
C. five
D. six

5. Senior managers but not end users participate during the __________ sessions for Rapid Application Development.
A. needs analysis
B. joint requirements planning
C. joint applications design
D. object oriented system analysis

6. An analysis of the current system is performed during the __________ phase of Systems Development Life Cycle.
A. development
B. systems design
C. implementation
D. needs analysis

7. In __________, team members start with the big picture and move to the details.
A. top-down design
B. bottom-up design
C. object oriented system analysis
D. rapid application design

8. Many teams use working models called __________ to explore the look and feel of screens with users.
A. demos
B. prototypes
C. objects
D. designs

9. In the needs analysis section of the Systems Development Life Cycle, the __________ typically defines a need for a new system.
A. IT manager
B. system analyst
C. user
D. technical writer

10. What phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle may involve a small group of testers?
A. maintenance
B. needs analysis
C. implementation
D. development

11. During the development phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

12. By using ____________, developers can visually describe the events and actions that can occur in an information system.
A. structured English
B. data flow diagrams
C. prototypes
D. decision trees

13. Which of the following is computer software used to develop other computer software quickly and reliably?
A. decision trees
B. prototyping
C. data flow diagrams
D. computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools

14. During the maintenance phase of Systems Development Life Cycle, __________________________.
A. the project team decides how the solution will work
B. the hardware and software are installed in the user environment
C. programmers create or customize software for the system
D. IS professionals provide ongoing training and support to the system’s users

15. Joint requirements planning and joint applications design both use highly structured ________________for Rapid Application Development.
A. programming
B. objects
C. workshops
D. rules

16. Rapid Application Development (RAD) is unique from the Systems Development Life Cycle during the requirements planning phase because in RAD, an organization may use ___________ to identify high-level, strategic management requirements.
A. joint application design (JAD)
B. rapid construction
C. object-oriented systems analysis OOSA
D. joint requirements planning (JRP)

17. Why is the Rapid Application Development user design phase generally completed faster than the Systems Development Life Cycle systems design phase?
A. JLP workshops require senior management to make decisions about design.
B. JAD workshops allow users and developers to work together in the design phase.
C. SDLC systems design requires the use of CASE tools.
D. RAD user design phase has to be completed in less than a week.

18. When users have specific requirements for output that must contain certain pieces of information, the development team will likely use a ______________.
A. bottom-up design
B. top-down design
C. conversion
D. pilot

19. The Rapid Application Development transition phase is similar to the Systems Development Life Cycle ______________ phase.
A. maintenance
B. systems design
C. development
D. implementation

20. The process of moving from an old system to a new system is called _____________.
A. implementation
B. acquisition
C. conversion
D. systems design

21. Joint application design (JAD) was originally created for use in the development of _________