| 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. |
