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 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.
What is a RAD Platform?
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 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.
Modern RAD vs. Traditional SDLC
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.
>With the accelerating pace of digital transformation, enterprise IT and business users are increasingly observing the importance of rapid application development. 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.
Combine the Speed of Low-Code with the Power of Custom Code
WaveMaker’s RAD platform helps you build, integrate, secure and deploy enterprise-grade applications. Build 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 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.
