RAD

What is Rapid Framework and how does it work?

31.05.2023

The rapid application development (RAD) framework focuses on rapidly developing software products, iterating regularly based on feedback, and providing upgraded versions of those products in the global market. If you want to create an app quickly, avoid using the Waterfall technique which demands you to keep to a strict timetable but doesn’t allow for ongoing iterations. As a result, every time the customer recommends modifications, you’ll have to repeat the development process from the beginning.

Furthermore, try James Martin’s rapid application development (RAD) method, which he created in 1991. The RAD SDLC is still prominent among those searching for agile ways of application development to keep up with expanding company and customer demands, even though it has been around for a long time.

What is Rapid Framework?

Rapid Framework is a collection of libraries, methods, classes, and reusable objects that follow the rapid application development paradigm. RAD frameworks help developers save time by organizing and streamlining their work. Frameworks save time by eliminating the need to create libraries and methods from scratch.

What are the stages of RAD Framework?

The RAD framework is divided into four stages:

  • Phase 1: Requirements planning
  • Phase 2: User design
  • Phase 3: Rapid construction
  • Phase 4: Cutover

Requirements planning:

Clients and the project team establish the future system’s goals at this phase. The emphasis is on achieving commercial objectives, and the criteria are relatively amorphous. It’s crucial to be able to alter or change them throughout the prototype stage.
The following is a basic summary of this stage:

  • Analyzing the present issue
  • Defining the project’s needs
  • Getting last minute approval on different criteria from every stakeholder

Everyone must have a chance to assess the project’s standards and outcomes and provide feedback. Teams may avoid miscommunications and pricey variation orders down the line by obtaining agreement from each important stakeholder and programmer.

Process-automation

#Free eBook

Choosing Your App Development Stack: A 11-Point Checklist

User design:

Once the project has been scoped out, it’s time to go to work on developing the user interface through several prototype iterations.

The RAD methodology’s meat and potatoes and what sets it distinct from other project management strategies is this. During this process, clients collaborate with developers to ensure that their needs are met at every stage of the design process. It’s similar to custom software development where users can test each prototype of the product at each stage to ensure it meets their standards.

In the iterative process, all of the flaws and kinks are ironed out. The developer creates a model, the customer (user) tests it, and then both parties meet to discuss what succeeded and what didn’t.

This technique allows programmers to change the model as they go until they find a design that they like. The users are shown the prototype once it has been completed. The team gathers all available feedback, and it is at this point those original needs are subject to alteration. Something that looked good on paper may appear very different in practice. With this information in hand, programmers return to the prototype stage until the users are happy.

Rapid construction:

We now have a clear picture of what has to be done. It’s time to finish developing and testing the RAD system so it can go into production. There will be no more cutting shortcuts; instead, the emphasis will be on quality, adaptability, and ease of maintenance. Users, on the other hand, continue to interact even at this late stage, offering input when new features are added. Depending on the tool used and other circumstances, what’s produced at the prototype stage may potentially be discarded.
The phase is divided into numerous smaller steps:

  • Construction planning for a quick start
  • Development of programs and applications
  • Programming
  • Testing at the unit, integration, and system levels

Throughout this stage, the software development team of coders, programmers, auditors, and developers collaborate to ensure that everything is running well and that the end product meets the client’s expectations and goals.

This third step is critical since the customer may still provide feedback throughout the method. They can provide modifications, adjustments, or even new ideas to tackle problems as they occur.

Cutover:

This is the stage when the final work is ready to be released. Data translation, testing, and the switchover to the new system, as well as user training, are all part of this stage. Once the product has been authorized, programmers apply the finishing touches such as testing, conversion, interface, or user training. Once the product has been adequately evaluated for criteria such as stability and lifespan, it is ready for delivery.

Wrapping up

Using a rapid application development platform can help you build your application not only allows developers to code programs easily but also speeds up the process. You aren’t suffocating yourself with reams of paperwork. If you’re a die-hard lover of all things rapid or you’re just getting started, there’s no question that the RAD paradigm can enhance project efficiency, deliver on time, and boost customer satisfaction with timely delivery.

The fastest way to create high-value apps

Get started