Methods for Software Development

Fast Application Development (RAD)

Fast application development is the SDLC alternative in this scenario (RAD). This is a software development process that employs minimal planning, allowing for quick prototyping. A prototype is a working model that is used to depict a product component. With this strategy, simultaneous module development occurs concurrently with prototype integration to expedite the product completion process (Stiner, 2016). This is meant to expedite project completion. Because there is no specific information on preplanning, it is considerably easier to incorporate modifications made throughout the development process. The traditional SDLC adheres to a rigid process that emphasizes on requirement analysis as well as gathering before coding begins. It pushes the customer to agree to requirements before the project is initiated and the customers do not get the product feel since there is no prototype (Stiner, 2016). The RAD modules emphasize on iterative as well as incremental delivery of customers workable models. This leads to faster delivery to the customer, and it also includes customer involvement during the cycle of product development thus minimizing the risk of non-conformity with the initial user requirements (Tutorials point, n.d.).

Circumstances where one is preferred over the other

Circumstances where one is preferred over the other

RAD is preferred in projects that can allow modularization. If a project cannot be broken into various modules, then it may fail. RAD should also be utilized when there is a high designer availability in modeling. It should also be used when the budget allows for it (Tutorials point, n.d.). It is also used when the requirements are bound to change in the course of projects development, and the customer needs to see prototypes that are working in small iterations of about two to three months.

References

Stiner, S. (Aug 24, 2016). Rapid Application Development (RAD): A Smart, Quick And Valuable Process For Software Developers. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2016/08/24/rapid-application-development-rad-a-smart-quick-and-valuable-process-for-software-developers/#39e20fe919e8

Tutorials point. (n.d.). SDLC - RAD Model. Retrieved from https://www.tutorialspoint.com/sdlc/sdlc_rad_model.htm