ABSTRACT

Rapid application development (RAD) is a system development methodology that employs joint application design, prototyping, computer aided software engineering (CASE) technology, application generators, and similar tools to expedite the design process. RAD promotes fast, efficient, accurate program and/or system development and delivery. RAD focuses on four major components: tools, people, methodology, and management. Compared to other methodologies, RAD generally improves user/designer communication, user cooperation, and user commitment, and promotes better documentation. J. Martin suggests four phases to implement RAD: requirements planning, user design, construction, and cutover. There are several variations and/or extensions to the RAD methodology. RAD is an alternative to the traditional system development life cycle. RAD is a system development methodology that employs joint application design, prototyping, CASE technology, application generators, and similar tools to expedite the design process. ASE tools are used extensively during this phase. The system design can be planned as a series of iterative steps or allowed to evolve.