Question

​Describe the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Joint Application Development (JAD), Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Agile methods. Compare and contrast these methods and explain advantages and disadvantages of each.

Answer 1

SDLC:

An effective system development life cycle (SDLC) should result in a high quality system that meets customer expectations, is completed within time and cost evaluation, and works efficiently and efficiently in current and planned information technology infrastructure Does.

Advantage:
1.Helps estimate cost and time
2.Includes the project activities and deliverables of each phase
3.Boosts the transparency of the entire project and the development process
4.Enhance the speed and accuracy of development.

Disadvantage:

1. The volume of documentation increases with time.

2. Inflexibility when it comes to changes.

3.Outdated processes.

4.Testing may not be suitable for all development teams.

Joint Application Design (JAD):

JAD is a methodology that involves a client or end user in the design and development of an application, known as collaborative sessions. JAD was developed by IBM in the late 1970s as a process originally designed to design computer-based systems. JAD is more focused on technology than people. The aim is to get all groups with a stake in the project to work together by getting the team together in meeting rooms with U-shaped or round tables, white boards, overhead projectors and audio-visual tools.

Advantage:  
1.JAD allows you to resolve difficulties more simply and produce better, error-free software.
2.The joint collaboration between the company and the clients lowers all risks.
3.JAD reduces costs and time needed for project development.
4.Well defined requirements improve system quality.

Disadvantages:
1.Different opinions within the team make it difficult to align goals and maintain focus.
2.Depending on the size of the project, JAD may require a significant time commitment.

Rapid Application Development (RAD):

This application development methodology goes beyond JAD in reducing the time it takes to develop an application. Rapid application development is defined as a methodology designed to reduce the time required to design and implement information systems by relying on extensive user involvement. RAD is based on the concept that the system is fast and with high quality through workshops or focus groups, prototyping and initialization, iterative user testing of designs, use of pre-existing software components and less formality in reviews and other team communications.

Advantages:
A main advantage of RAD over SDLC is its focus on iteration because this allows for effectiveness and self-correction and this is important because it is not always easy to get the requirements right the first time around.

Disadvantages:

1. Depends on strong team and individual performances for identifying business requirements.
2. Only system that can be modularized can be built using RAD
3. Requires highly skilled developers/designers.

Agile Method:

Agile Methodology is a people-centered, results-focused approach to software development that honors our rapidly changing world. It centers around adaptive planning, self-organization and short delivery times.

Advantages:
It is flexible, fast and aims for continuous improvement in quality, using tools such as Scrum and eXtreme programming.

Disadvantages:
1.Long-term projects suffer from incremental delivery.
2.The level of collaboration can be difficult to maintain.