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 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 needs. There is a gradual yet rapid transition from traditional software development to modern RAD. The balancing act is in blending high code for complex and core enterprise applications with low code for rapid application development.
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 reviewal 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 increase 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. | 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 which 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. |
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