How to Boost App Development With RAD Framework

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a development methodology that came into being after previous models were considered too slow to keep up with modern software demands.

The core principle of rapid application development is that end users of the product can produce better feedback when actually using the product, as compared to reading through pages of documentation.

Rapid application development framework is designed around the same concept–to provide a source of abstract code that the developer can fill, without having to write the whole thing from scratch.

But how do you boost app development using the RAD framework?

The steps can be broken down into the following.

• Find the requirements
• Build rapid prototypes
• Receive feedback from end users
• Test
• Launch

By launching rapid prototypes to the end user to test and give feedback on, you can keep the end user engaged in the development process, ensuring that the end product is exactly what they want it to be, and not a series of compromises between the development team and the client.

With each prototype, a new function is developed and tested.

While building the final product, all the development team has to do is reuse the code from previous prototypes, allowing developers to reuse code wherever possible.

Types of RAD framework

Open source

An open-source RAD framework uses pre-built, publically accessible code blocks that users can utilize, modify, and deploy quickly. 

Cloud-Based

A cloud-based RAD framework uses an architecture that is hosted on cloud service providers for better back-end support and easier maintenance.

On-premise

An on-premise RAD framework is typically hosted on physical servers developed, maintained, and updated by a team of in-house IT professionals.

Is RAD an agile framework?

Rapid Application Development is a popular strategy that is closely related to agile development methodology. It is typically characterized by shorter development cycles and fast-paced environments resulting in faster turnaround times.

How Does Kissflow Fit Into All This?

As a no-code development platform, Kissflow uses RAD methodology to keep the app development process as fast as possible. Here are some of the ways that Kissflow employs the rapid application development framework and methodology in the platform.

Drag-and-Drop Design and Development

With Kissflow, there are no hours of poring over complicated code. All you need to do to create an app is drag and drop the elements that you need for your application—and you’re done!

Integration With Other Apps

If you’re already using other apps in your workplace, Kissflow will integrate seamlessly with those apps. This means that there’s no need to transfer data manually. There’s no headache regarding compatibility. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go.

Visual Modeling

Before you create your own app, you can visually draw the workflow and logic through the visual modeling feature in Kissflow. This lets you see the flow of logic and roles before the app is even created, allowing you to see if there are any loopholes or bugs that should be fixed before you actually start developing the app.

User Management and Roles

You can assign roles and responsibilities to each and every user, with permissions so that every person only has the data that they need access to—nothing more. This prevents data abuse and enforces security.

Reporting and Monitoring

With built-in reporting and monitoring tools, you can analyze and create reports on app performance. You can see if the app you created is working as intended and if there are any changes that need to be made.

Conclusion

Using a rapid application development framework to create your app not only makes development a lot easier, but it’s a much faster way to go about it. You’re not burdening yourself with pages of documentation. Kissflow's Rapid Application Development Platform provides the same thing for business process management.

You can create your workflows instantly, without the need for code and long testing sessions—you’ll spend less time developing, and more time actually getting work done.