Modern enterprise needs have transformed with increasing demand from the digital workforce, agile operations, and the tech-savvy marketplace. While the decades-old, traditional SDLC software development is a robust approach, new development methodologies such as rapid application development (RAD) is revamping the blueprint of modern enterprises to include agile processes.
With mobile application development gaining speed, traditional methods of software development fall short of fulfilling demands. SDLC is time intensive, it allows for minimum iterations, there is little user interaction and requires high coding efforts. In alignment with the change in pace of enterprise needs, RAD Rapid application development offers a simpler approach to application development, one that requires minimal coding and is highly flexible. The answer to which approach works best is based on the enterprise's needs. There is a gradual yet rapid transition from traditional software development to modern RAD - Rapid application development. The balancing act is in blending high code for complex and core enterprise applications with low-code for rapid application development.
The Rapid Application Development approach relies on rapid cycles of iterative development, prototyping, reiterative user testing, and the re-use of software components. A RAD Rapid application development platform accelerates visual development with out-of-the-box themes, templates, widgets, and responsive designs while generating standards-based front-end code. It allows for seamless, secure, and scalable integration to standard enterprise systems with an API-centric approach. It also supports continuous, flexible, and one-click deployment without lock-in and CI/CD of your choice. Delve into the process of a Rapid Application Development Model.
Understand the difference to create a balance between High Code and Low-Code
| Parameter | Rapid Application Development (RAD) | Traditional Software Development (SDLC) |
| Application Development Process | Incremental and iterative. Different phases of development are revisited as required. | Linear and predictive. Follows sequential flow of application development. |
| Team Structure | Small and agile teams with intermediate technology skills, good business knowledge and communication skills. Thin project management layer. | Large teams with strictly defined roles and technology skills. Well-defined project management layer. |
| Productivity and Flexibility | High productivity and flexibility due to iterations, end-user interactions, and use of predefined elements leading to faster turnaround time and low waste. | Lower productivity and flexibility due to linear, rigid approach. Exhibits wait times and waste at each stage, leading to high cycle times. |
| Documentation | Minimum viable documentation as the deliverable at every iteration is the code/app itself. | Involves stringent documentation and review at every stage of development. |
| Time and Cost Estimation | Short-duration projects with small variance in the cost estimation. Low maintenance costs. | Medium to long-duration projects with high costs. There are chances for additional increases because of reworking and maintenance costs. |
| Testing | Testing is performed at every iteration. | Testing is performed after completion of the coding phase. |
| End User Interaction | Extensive user interaction with reviews and suggestions on a timely basis during every iteration and phase. | The user is involved at the beginning during the requirements stage and then in the end delivery during the user acceptance stage. |
| Predefined Elements | Use of predefined themes, templates, layouts, and micro applications that are tested and ready-to-use. | Elements have to be designed and constructed from the ground up as per project requirements and hence, are not reusable. |
>With the accelerating pace of digital transformation, enterprise IT and business users are increasingly observing the importance of rapid application development RAD. As development teams grapple with traditional software development, rapid application development supports custom app development and reduces the friction points to deliver successful transformation. Find out more about the Benefits of Rapid Application Development.
Explore the features of WaveMaker’s RAD Platform
WaveMaker’s RAD Rapid application development platform helps you build, integrate, secure, and deploy enterprise-grade applications. Build RAD applications visually with powerful components, create modern responsive interfaces, and design interfaces easily using out-of-the-box widgets, templates, and themes.
Easily integrate with your database, API ecosystem, or any systems of record. Generate readable code that you can own and modify in the future with no lock-in. Create custom UI components from existing widget building blocks and enable re-use across applications by bringing together 3rd party frameworks with business logic. Generate your application APIs and enable microservice-based deployments.
Take a Deep Dive into WaveMaker’s RAD - Rapid Application Development Platform Architecture
67% faster application development than traditional software delivery
80% lesser coding required compared to traditional software development
75% lower maintenance costs than traditional software life cycle
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