What is largely eliminated in the RAD approach compared to traditional SDLC?

In the Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach, the key characteristic that is largely eliminated compared to the traditional Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the sequential process. In traditional SDLC, development follows a strict linear sequence of phases, such as requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before the next one begins, which can lead to longer development times and a greater risk of misalignment with user needs or changes in project requirements.

In contrast, RAD emphasizes an iterative and incremental development process. This allows for continuous feedback and revisions based on user input throughout the development cycle. Prototypes are built quickly, and users are involved in refining the product as it is developed. This approach leads to faster delivery times and greater adaptability to changes, which significantly reduces delays that are common in the traditional SDLC’s sequential model.

This flexible, iterative nature of RAD enables teams to adjust their focus based on stakeholder feedback, which is not possible in a strictly linear process. As a result, RAD is particularly effective in environments where requirements evolve rapidly or are not fully known upfront.