| Aim of Module | To provide students with practical experience in applying a 4GL to develop a complete application. |
| Credits | 7 |
| Knowledge Assumed From | DA600 (DA200) Data Analysis DB600 (DB200) Database Management Systems SI600 (SI200) Systems Implementation FG600 (FG200) Fourth Generation Languages |
| Student Learning hours | 70 |
| Content Revised | 2000 |
| Prescription Expiry Date | Nov 2007 |
| Topics | Highest Skill Level | Suggested Assessment Percentage | |
| 1 4GL Syntax | A | 25 | |
| 2 Intro to Requirements | C | 5 | |
| 3 Creating the Data Definition | P | 15 | |
| 4 Evaluating 4GLs | C | 5 | |
| 5 Creating Screen/Report Layouts | P | 15 | |
| 6 Creating | P | 20 | |
| 7 Documenting the Model | P | 10 | |
| 8 Verifying the Complete Model | P | 5 | |
| 100 | |||
| 1 | 4GL Syntax |
| C | 1.1 | Explain the syntax of advanced statements provided by the 4GL. These may include some or all of the following: |
| -multiple table handling | ||
| -views (logical tables) | ||
| -array handling | ||
| -multi-user access (table/row locking) | ||
| -security and performance issues | ||
| A | 1.2 | Demonstrate the use of advanced features such as help facilities, array handling and windowing (if supported by the 4GL). |
| 2 | Intro to Requirements |
| C | 2.1 | Interpret the requirements of the application, identify the users. |
| C | 2.2 | Identify with the user the overall scope of the model application system. |
| C | 2.3 | Identify the deliverables such as successful handling of test data, and documentation. |
| 3 | Creating the Data Definition |
| P | 3.1 | Design an overview data model. |
| P | 3.2 | Implement the data model in the 4GL. |
| P | 3.3 | Resolve default settings and data checks. |
| P | 3.4 | Outline test data to be entered to the model at a later stage. |
| 4 | Evaluating 4GLs |
| C | Identify the key criteria such as range of language, limitations to application areas, limitations to hardware size, portability to other environments, market penetration, reference customers, vendor support. |
| 5 | Creating Screen/Report Layouts |
| P | 5.1 | Establish the output requirements of the application and design with the user and the necessary layouts, by directly using the 4GL. |
| P | 5.2 | Integrate the screen and report layouts with the data definition in the 4GL. |
| P | 5.3 | Test both the data definition and the screen and report definitions by using the test data identified earlier. |
| 6 | Creating |
| P | 6.1 | Establish the changes to the 4GL defaults required by the application and implementation of these in the 4GL model. |
| P | 6.2 | Define and implement the application-specific logic. |
| P | 6.3 | Define and implement the menus necessary to invoke the application. |
| P | 6.4 | Create test problems for the final test. |
| 7 | Documenting the Model |
| P | 7.1 | Use the 4GL documentation facilities (where these exist) to provide a graphic system overview, list the data model, screen and report layouts and program logic in readable form. |
| P | 7.2 | Demonstrate how 4GL standard messages can be replaced by user-specific messages. |
| P | 7.3 | Provide a simple Help function (if the 4GL supports the development of Help functions). |
| 8 | Verifying the Complete Model |
| P | Establish that the developed system meets the requirements as specified. |