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optional · CSS study notes

Rapid Application Development (RAD) (2017)

CSS CS Optional — Paper-I, Section-B, Topic V.

🔑 Definition

  • Linear-sequential model, extremely short cycle (60–90 days), component-based construction.

📌 Phases (James Martin's RAD Model)

  1. Business modeling
  2. Data modeling
  3. Process modeling
  4. Application generation — 4GLs, reusable components, code generators
  5. Testing and turnover

📌 Conditions for Use

  • System must be modular (decomposable into components built in parallel)
  • Adequate staffing for multiple teams
  • Developers + customer both committed to fast pace

📌 Advantages

  • Very fast delivery
  • Reduced dev time via heavy reuse

📌 Disadvantages

  • Poor fit if system resists modularization
  • Needs enough staff for parallel teams
  • Risky if requirements weren't well understood upfront

⚠️ MCQ Trap

  • RAD = complete process model.
  • JAD (own page) = only the requirements-gathering technique that feeds it. Don't confuse the two.

📜 Past-Paper Questions & MCQs (CSS 2016–2026)

2017 · Paper-I · Q4(a) · part of 8 marks

RAD characteristics: short development cycles (about 60–90 days), prototyping, reusable components, parallel work by small teams, and continuous user involvement. Suited to modular systems with clear business needs. Full answer on Evolutionary Model (2017).