10. RAD: Software re-use

The aim of RAD is to speed up system delivery.

And one aspect of this is make maximum use of existing software. After all, a lot of time and energy has been spent developing software so why not take advantage of that?

There are a number of ways to encourage software re use

• Use software libraries that have well-developed, stable functions
• Use object orientated programming methods to develop software classes, all parts of the system can then use these classes
• Use a software application framework

Frameworks are complete software development environments with powerful built-in features. For instance creating a complex graphical user interface may simply involve dragging and dropping controls onto a workspace, the code is automatically generated for you.

There are open source frameworks such as 'Ruby on Rails' and also powerful commercial frameworks available.