EndUser Development Software Development Approaches Enduser Development The

End-User Development Software Development Approaches

End-user Development • The user customises applications themselves to suit their own needs. • Off-the-shelf software packages are used • They are usually databases or spreadsheets • These use 4 th generation languages which use human-like language. This makes it easier for the user to communicate with the computer. • Interfaces are comparatively easy to design

Personnel • There is little or no involvement of outside personnel • The end user is the person responsible for customising the applications to suit their own needs

Advantages of End-User Development • Very cheap compared to the other approaches – typically there are no outside personnel required • The user is already familiar with the software so no further training is required • 4 G languages simplify the design and development process through the use of • Report generators, Query language, Screen design • Assuming the designer has sufficient skill, and the development platform is adequate, the user will get exactly what they want.

Disadvantages of End-User • The program may not perform all of the required tasks either because: • The end-user’s knowledge of the program is limited, or • The application which has been customised has limitations • The program are often not documented fully and so, if changes need to be made, the only person who can do this is the original developer • The systems may work well for small scale tasks, but if the business expands, the solutions usually do not scale well.

Characteristics of end-User Development • • Comparatively short development time Cheaper than the other approaches No formal stages Often for the sole use of the person doing the customising • Often used for a long time