What’s RAD?

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a software development approach that focuses on quickly building applications using modular components, automation, and iterative feedback. Originally proposed by IBM in the 1980s, RAD has evolved over the years, incorporating new tools and methodologies to streamline the development process.

Major Characteristics of the RAD

Automation

RAD emphasizes the use of tools and techniques to automate various aspects of the software development process. This can include code generation, automated testing, and continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. By automating repetitive tasks and processes, RAD allows developers to focus on building high-quality software more efficiently.

Parallel Development of Small Independent Modules

A central aspect of RAD is the development of small, independent modules or components that can be assembled to create a complete application. This approach is aligned with microservice architecture and DevSecOps methodologies, which emphasize the parallel development of individual modules by small, cross-functional teams. This modular approach enables faster development cycles and improved scalability.

Reusable Components

RAD platforms often include libraries of reusable components, such as pre-built UI elements, templates, and microservices, that can be quickly integrated into an application. By leveraging these reusable components, developers can save time and effort in building new features, reduce the likelihood of errors, and promote consistency across applications.

Quicker Feedback Cycle from Customer

RAD's fast-paced development and deployment schedule enables teams to gather user feedback more quickly. This iterative approach allows developers to incorporate user feedback into subsequent development cycles, ensuring that the final product aligns closely with user needs and expectations.

Adherence to Modern Software Compliance

As privacy and security concerns become increasingly important, RAD platforms must help developers adhere to relevant compliance requirements. This can include providing built-in features for secure data storage, encryption, and access controls, as well as automating compliance checks and documentation. By simplifying compliance tasks, RAD platforms can help developers build applications that are secure and privacy-compliant by design. In summary, Rapid Application Development (RAD) is an approach to software development that emphasizes speed, automation, modularity, and iterative feedback. By leveraging RAD principles and tools, development teams can build applications more efficiently, while still maintaining high quality and compliance standards.

Compare RAD with Other Contemporary Approaches

Comparision of Different Software Processes and Tools concerning software application development, deployment, maintenance, and governance
Language Frameworks Low-Code RAD
Rapid Business Solution Not possible Achievable through solution templates Solution Templates make the realization of the business solutions faster
Rapid technical solution and Full-proofing software architecture Certain aspects are taken care of due to code-scaffolding. However, the coder’s initiative is paramount. Behind-the-scene management. No effort is required from the customer. Tools, and the Code Framework takes care of without effort from the customer.
Access to Source Code Yes No Yes
Speed of Code Generation Faster due to scaffolding, but usual coding effort Very fast aided by UI-driven code generation Very fast aided by UI-driven code generation
Code Documentation Manual No transparency. Not available to customer Available - fully-documented codebase.
Adherence to Standard secure coding practices Certain aspects are taken care of due to code-scaffolding though the coder’s initiative is paramount. No transparency. Code generated to well-laid practices and fully transparent with codebase being available.
Accuracy and Reducing Bugs Certain aspects are taken care of due to code scaffolding. However, the coder’s initiative is paramount. Not transparently visible to customer. High-quality codebase is available to the customer.
Deployment Migration Complex tasks from system administration to code configurations No interoperability. Easy steps to move the application from one location to another
Security Management Additional effort needed though specific initiatives may have been included in the framework. No transparency though assurance is given with various certifications Security audit is integrated into the codebase.
Application Life-cycle management Tedious though a few aspects of the codebase are streamlined through the use of a framework. No difficulty. No difficulty.
Lowering Cost of running digital asset Expensive DevSecOps. Though development and maintenance are cost-effective, running the application is very expensive due to per user billing models. Lowers the cost of DevSecOps, and billing cost is transparent to the customer.
Rapid Business Solution
Language Frameworks Not possible
Low-Code Achievable through solution templates
RAD Solution Templates make the realization of the business solutions faster
Rapid technical solution and Full-proofing software architecture
Language Frameworks Certain aspects are taken care of due to code-scaffolding. However, the coder’s initiative is paramount
Low-Code Behind-the-scene management. No effort is required from the customer
RAD Tools, and the Code Framework takes care of without effort from the customer
Access to Source Code
Language Frameworks Yes
Low-Code No
RAD Yes
Speed of Code Generation
Language Frameworks Faster due to scaffolding, but usual coding effort
Low-Code Very fast aided by UI-driven code generation
RAD Very fast aided by UI-driven code generation
Code Documentation
Language Frameworks Manual
Low-Code No transparency. Not available to customer
RAD Available - fully-documented codebase
Adherence to Standard secure coding practices
Language Frameworks Certain aspects are taken care of due to code-scaffolding though the coder’s initiative is paramount.
Low-Code No transparency.
RAD Code generated to well-laid practices and fully transparent with codebase being available
Accuracy and Reducing Bugs
Language Frameworks Certain aspects are taken care of due to code scaffolding. However, the coder’s initiative is paramount.
Low-Code Not transparently visible to customer.
RAD High-quality codebase is available to the customer.
Deployment Migration
Language Frameworks Complex tasks from system administration to code configurations
Low-Code No interoperability.
RAD Easy steps to move the application from one location to another
Security Management
Language Frameworks Additional effort needed though specific initiatives may have been included in the framework.
Low-Code No transparency though assurance is given with various certifications
RAD Security audit is integrated into the codebase.
Application Life-cycle management
Language Frameworks Tedious though a few aspects of the codebase are streamlined through the use of a framework.
Low-Code No difficulty.
RAD No difficulty.
Lowering Cost of running digital asset
Language Frameworks Expensive DevSecOps.
Low-Code Though development and maintenance are cost-effective, running the application is very expensive due to per user billing models.
RAD Lowers the cost of DevSecOps, and billing cost is transparent to the customer.

Batoi is RAD.

Batoi RAD is a cutting-edge Rapid Application Development (RAD) platform that empowers businesses to build and deploy software applications quickly and efficiently. Our platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features designed to streamline the development process, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality applications that meet the demands of today's fast-paced digital landscape.
Learn More on Batoi RAD Platform

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