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Compromises in software development are the name of the game. But there is a method in which these compromises take place. Rapid application development (RAD) methodology is designed to carefully skip the planning steps in favor of the core software solution.
The practice of rapid application development was developed by James Martin in the year 1991. It is a frequently adopted method in development of high end software. The aim of the process is to develop a complete software solution within as less time as possible. It makes use of various structural procedures, (Computer Assisted Software Engineering tools) CASE tools and prototyping for describing processes to increase the pace at which software is developed. If a company is developing a graphical interface for gaming software, rapid software development tools would facilitate speedy development of codes by integrating all the basic parameters in the prototype tools. A developer would simply use the tools, instead of writing a separate section of codes for that procedure. Sometimes, some features of a program are compromised in order to generate the end product in less time.

An astounding 65% of the budget of large firms is spent on maintenance and upgrading its operating systems. These were designed only a certain time back, but given the nature of changes and their frequency, much software require changes. Quite often, the end users can satisfactorily meet all their requirements even without some essential components of software. It is the task of a software developing team to identify all such potential areas of operation which can be left out or encapsulated within a broader heading, to save the time, effort and cost. In some other cases, the business which has ordered the software can negotiate on certain parts which can be done away with, before the software is fully developed. It may again save valuable cost and time before implementing the software.

RAD is a combination of entities like a well-defined methodology, a dedicated and trained staff, proper and efficient management practices, and using both efficient manual and computer tools. The entire system of operation can be summarized as software development mechanism providing higher quality in less time using
• Software essentials restructuring
• Prototyping and verification designs
• Integrating all changes in the current model
• Minimizing the effort of reviewing, testing and other such steps
Advantages of using RAD

There are many advantages of using RAD and it can solve many concerns of the user as well as the developers.
• Conventional software development methods take, on an average almost 20% more time than the RAD procedure. Using RAD can enable quicker visualization of the end-design and hence allow rapid software testing and rectifying steps. The customer is able to have a faster look at the design to add valuable inputs, in order to make the design more user-friendly.
• The current competitive scenario demands frequently upgraded software’s in order to effectively satisfy customers' requirements. RAD enables a faster and updated version to reach the end user, by systematically eliminating redundant steps or using the prototype methods.
• Cost overruns and meeting the time constraints are another advantage, though not a big consideration in high-end uses.
• RAD makes the development process to be a more credible one by facilitating a scope for the customer to actively provide inputs in the development process. This may also prove a feasible study from the point of view of a developer.
• It protects the current project from the variations in the market.
Rapid Application Development is an efficient methodology which can assist faster software development, and at the same time ensure maximum quality of the project.