More frequently known as simply ‘RAD’, rapid application development is software development process that seeks to deliver software applications more quickly and with lower costs than more traditional methods.

The principle of RAD is to limit the amount of time spent on up-front planning and rely on prototypes that are developed into a finished product through a close working relationship between users and developers.

RAD has evolved into various agile methods and makes great use of timeboxes and techniques such as MoSCoW prioritisation as a means of managing the basic technical approach.