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University of California, Davis

Application Development Methodology

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Rapid Application Development (RAD)

Introduction to the RAD Methodology

The RAD development path uses highly integrated, rigorous techniques that are grouped into well-defined, manageable tasks. These techniques involve the construction of diagrams, with an integrated CASE tool used to automatically check syntax and semantics. A vital aspect of this development path is the participation of users at every stage, ensuring that the system will meet the users' true needs. Users and developers come together in workshops to conduct planning, analysis and design activities.

The CASE tools produce diagrams that users can understand and interpret, thus facilitating communications. The users test and refine prototypes of the system, suggesting enhancements and changes. The techniques of RAD are based on those used by actual organizations that build systems fast and have the ability to do so repeatedly.

To maximize the gain in productivity from the use of CASE tools, an IT organization needs a methodology that has been adapted to the tools being used. A rapid development path incorporating the best available tools is fundamentally different from a traditional development life cycle.

The methodology should describe the steps that must be followed to achieve rapid development. The steps should be based on the experiences of organizations that have successfully carried out rapid development. The methodology should describe everything that must be done to make the development life cycle effective.