Software process and Process Models

Software processes in software engineering refer to the methods and techniques used to develop and
maintain software.

Software Processes is a coherent set of activities for specifying, designing, implementing and testing
software systems. A software process model is an abstract representation of a process that presents a
description of a process from some particular perspective. There are many different software processes but
all involve:

 Specification – defining what the system should do;

 Design and implementation – defining the organization of the system and implementing the system;
 Validation – checking that it does what the customer wants;
 Evolution – changing the system in response to changing customer needs.

What is Software Modeling?

Software modeling is the process of creating abstract representations of a software system. These
models serve as blueprints that guide developers, designers, and stakeholders through the system’s
structure, behavior, and functionality.
By using diagrams and various modeling languages, software modeling helps in visualizing and
understanding the complex aspects of the software, making it easier to plan, develop, and manage the
system.

Rapid Application Development Model (RAD)

The RAD model or Rapid Application Development model is a type of software development methodology
that emphasizes quick and iterative release cycles, primarily focusing on delivering working software in
shorter timelines. Unlike traditional models such as the Waterfall model, RAD is designed to be more flexible
and responsive to user feedback and changing requirements throughout the development process.
In this article, we will break down the key principles and phases of the RAD model, highlighting its
advantages and potential challenges.

What is RAD Model in Software Engineering?

IBM first proposed the Rapid Application Development or RAD Model in the 1980s. The RAD model is a type
of incremental process model in which there is a concise development cycle. The RAD model is used when
the requirements are fully understood and the component-based construction approach is adopted. Various
phases in RAD are Requirements Gathering, Analysis and Planning, Design, Build or Construction, and
finally Deployment.

The critical feature of this model is the use of powerful development tools and techniques. A software project
can be implemented using this model if the project can be broken down into small modules wherein each
module can be assigned independently to separate teams. These modules can finally be combined to form
the final product. Development of each module involves the various basic steps as in the waterfall model i.e.
analyzing, designing, coding, and then testing, etc. as shown in the figure. Another striking feature of this
model is a short period i.e. the time frame for delivery(time-box) is generally 60-90 days.

Multiple teams work on developing the software system using the RAD model parallelly.
The use of powerful developer tools such as JAVA, C++, Visual BASIC, XML, etc. is also an integral part of
the projects. This model consists of 4 basic phases:

1. Requirements Planning – This involves the use of various techniques used in requirements elicitation
like brainstorming, task analysis, form analysis, user scenarios, FAST (Facilitated Application
Development Technique), etc. It also consists of the entire structured plan describing the critical data,
methods to obtain it, and then processing it to form a final refined model.

2. User Description – This phase consists of taking user feedback and building the prototype using
developer tools. In other words, it includes re-examination and validation of the data collected in the first
phase. The dataset attributes are also identified and elucidated in this phase.

3. Construction – In this phase, refinement of the prototype and delivery takes place. It includes the actual
use of powerful automated tools to transform processes and data models into the final working product.
All the required modifications and enhancements are to be done in this phase.

4. Cutover – All the interfaces between the independent modules developed by separate teams have to be
tested properly. The use of powerfully automated tools and subparts makes testing easier. This is
followed by acceptance testing by the user.

The process involves building a rapid prototype, delivering it to the customer, and taking
feedback. After validation by the customer, the SRS document is developed and the design
is finalized.

When to use the RAD Model?

1. Well-understood Requirements: When project requirements are stable and transparent, RAD is
appropriate.
2. Time-sensitive Projects: Suitable for projects that need to be developed and delivered quickly due to
tight deadlines.
3. Small to Medium-Sized Projects: Better suited for smaller initiatives requiring a controllable number of
team members.
4. High User Involvement: Fits where ongoing input and interaction from users are essential.
5. Innovation and Creativity: Helpful for tasks requiring creative inquiry and innovation.
6. Prototyping: It is necessary when developing and improving prototypes is a key component of the
development process.
7. Low technological Complexity: Suitable for tasks using comparatively straightforward technological
specifications.
Objectives of Rapid Application Development Model (RAD)
1. Speedy Development
Accelerating the software development process is RAD’s main goal. RAD prioritizes rapid prototyping and
iterations to produce a working system as soon as possible. This is especially helpful for projects when
deadlines must be met.
2. Adaptability and Flexibility
RAD places a strong emphasis on adapting quickly to changing needs. Due to the model’s flexibility,
stakeholders can modify and improve the system in response to changing requirements and user input.
3. Stakeholder Participation
Throughout the development cycle, RAD promotes end users and stakeholders’ active participation.
Collaboration and frequent feedback make it possible to make sure that the changing system satisfies both
user and corporate needs.
4. Improved Interaction
Development teams and stakeholders may collaborate and communicate more effectively thanks to RAD.
Frequent communication and feedback loops guarantee that all project participants are in agreement, which
lowers the possibility of misunderstandings.
5. Improved Quality via Prototyping
Prototypes enable early system component testing and visualization in Rapid Application Development
(RAD). This aids in spotting any problems, confirming design choices, and guaranteeing that the finished
product lives up to consumer expectations.
6. Customer Satisfaction
Delivering a system that closely satisfies user expectations and needs is the goal of RAD. Through rapid
delivery of functioning prototypes and user involvement throughout the development process, Rapid
Application Development (RAD) enhances the probability of customer satisfaction with the final product.

Advantages of Rapid Application Development Model (RAD)

 The use of reusable components helps to reduce the cycle time of the project.
 Feedback from the customer is available at the initial stages.
 Reduced costs as fewer developers are required.
 The use of powerful development tools results in better quality products in comparatively shorter
periods.
 The progress and development of the project can be measured through the various stages.
 It is easier to accommodate changing requirements due to the short iteration time spans.
 Productivity may be quickly boosted with a lower number of employees.

Disadvantages of Rapid application development model (RAD)

 The use of powerful and efficient tools requires highly skilled professionals.
 The absence of reusable components can lead to the failure of the project.
 The team leader must work closely with the developers and customers to close the project on time.
 The systems which cannot be modularized suitably cannot use this model.
 Customer involvement is required throughout the life cycle.
 It is not meant for small-scale projects as in such cases, the cost of using automated tools and
techniques may exceed the entire budget of the project.
 Not every application can be used with RAD.

Applications of Rapid Application Development Model (RAD)

1. This model should be used for a system with known requirements and requiring a short development
time.
2. It is also suitable for projects where requirements can be modularized and reusable components are
also available for development.
3. The model can also be used when already existing system components can be used in developing a
new system with minimum changes.
4. This model can only be used if the teams consist of domain experts. This is because relevant knowledge
and the ability to use powerful techniques are a necessity.
5. The model should be chosen when the budget permits the use of automated tools and techniques
required.
Drawbacks of Rapid Application Development
 It requires multiple teams or a large number of people to work on scalable projects.
 This model requires heavily committed developers and customers. If commitment is lacking then RAD
projects will fail.
 The projects using the RAD model require heavy resources.
 If there is no appropriate modularization then RAD projects fail. Performance can be a problem for such
projects.
 The projects using the RAD model find it difficult to adopt new technologies. This is because RAD
focuses on quickly building and refining prototypes using existing tools. Changing to new technologies
can disrupt this process, making it harder to keep up with the fast pace of development. Even with
skilled developers and advanced tools, the rapid nature of RAD leaves little time to learn and integrate
new technologies smoothly.

Conclusion
The Rapid Application Development (RAD) model offers a powerful approach to software development,
focusing on speed, flexibility, and stakeholder involvement. By enabling quick iterations and the use of
reusable components, RAD ensures the fast delivery of functional prototypes, enhancing user satisfaction
and project adaptability. However, its reliance on highly skilled developers, modular design, and automated
tools presents challenges, particularly for projects with complex requirements or limited resources.