An introduction to rapid system prototyping

The implementation and maintenance of industrial applications have continuously become more and more difficult. In this context, one problem is the evaluation of complex systems. The IEEE defines prototyping as a development approach promoting the implementation of a pilot version of the intended product. This approach is a potential solution to the early evaluation of a system. It can also be used to avoid the shift between the description/specification of a system and its implementation. This brief introduction to the special section on rapid system prototyping illustrates a current picture of prototyping.