Low-Code tools like Retool allow you to do this. They have the same limitations though (like inflexible layouts that don't adapt to different screen sizes), which hurts especially on mobile.
There were similar low code/no code systems at the time, they were called “App Makers” or “App Generators”.
Something in the class of VB6 or early Delphi is not commonly available. Everything today is comparatively clunky and bureaucratic. They can do a ton more, but take a lot more effort to produce the first usable thing.
(Similar to the simplicity of old rom basics in micros is now unavailable. You can do a lot more, and more easily, but you can’t just 10 print “hello” / 20 go to 10
Responsive layouts for varying screen sizes dont exists in the 90s so its not a fair comparison. Responsive Web Design was coined only in 2010. And RAD apps arent tied to the database unlike Retool.
With RAD apps, the barrier to entry is low. You install the IDE from this thing called a CD-ROM, drag some components, add some code to make it reactive (Yes we have reactive components in 1998!). Compile and run.
Something in the class of VB6 or early Delphi is not commonly available. Everything today is comparatively clunky and bureaucratic. They can do a ton more, but take a lot more effort to produce the first usable thing.
(Similar to the simplicity of old rom basics in micros is now unavailable. You can do a lot more, and more easily, but you can’t just 10 print “hello” / 20 go to 10