Creating a prototype application can be streamlined by using available libraries and rapid development tools. It’s important to remember that the program is just a prototype and may be scrapped. Using tools that require little coding can reduce time spent in the prototype stage.
There are many methods that can be used to create a prototype application, although a few tips can help streamline the overall process. One of the most important aspects involved in building a prototype application is keeping an eye out for the fact that the program is just a prototype, regardless of the methodology followed, because it can be easy to forget and waste time and effort coding things that may never be used. During the prototype development process, using all available libraries and rapid development tools can drastically reduce the time it takes to have a functional application. In some situations, it may be more effective to prototype within another program, such as a spreadsheet with scripting capabilities, so that the main features and design of an interface or system can be visualized without having to create a temporary framework for a real application.
A common mistake that can be encountered while developing and refining the prototype application is losing sight of the fact that the program is only a prototype. Classes in a prototype don’t have to be extensible or generic, and for the most part, programming can be very haphazard with no optimizations for efficiency, readability, or memory usage. In many cases, the prototype will be scrapped when the actual product starts coding, so features like fancy loaders, extended input support, and even error checking are not needed. Another aspect is that the prototype application will usually run under controlled circumstances, so dynamic layouts for different screen sizes or resolutions are not normally needed.
The prototype application will likely be scrapped or completely rewritten after a customer makes changes and approvals, so using tools that help speed development is one way to develop an application quickly. These can include libraries with high-level functions for graphical user interface (GUI) elements and even high-level visual languages that allow you to insert elements with just a few lines of code. Low-level programming, even if this is what the final application will use, should be avoided due to the large amount of programming and design overhead required for some otherwise simple tasks.
Some specific tools that can help with deploying prototypical applications are view-based GUI builders, automated code generators, and even existing prototype programs for more complex entities such as a standard query language (SQL) server. In case the final application uses elements that are mostly non-visual and don’t involve a great deal of user interaction, using a program such as a presentation or slide designer, a spreadsheet program, or even just a paper model of the application may be suitable. Using tools that require very little coding and planning for prototyping application development helps you make changes quickly when required and can reduce the time spent in the prototype development stage.
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