All other things being equal, for maximum development speed use the language with the highest language level in Table 31-2 (keeping in mind the limitations of that table's data).

Select specific RDLs using the selection criteria listed in Productivity-Tool Acquisition, Productivity-Tool Acquisition.

Put specific RDLs into use using the guidelines described in Productivity-Tool Use, Productivity-Tool Use.

Estimate the savings you expect to realize from RDL usage conservatively. Consider your project's size and the part of the lifecycle you expect to compress by using the RDL. On all but the smallest and simplest projects, schedule in time for working around the limitations of the RDL.

Be careful about using RDLs on large projects. Bear in mind that as project size increases, the limitations of RDLs become more severe and the savings potential decreases.

Err on the side of overdesign and overly careful coding standards when using an RDL.

When you switch to an RDL, look for opportunities to use new lifecycle models that allow you to be increasingly responsive to your customers.