Prescription: FG600 Fourth Generation Languages

Aim of Module	To provide the student with a thorough understanding of the features of Fourth Generation Languages, including the recognition of their importance, application, management implications, and their integration with other components of the computing environment.
Credits	7
Knowledge Assumed From	DB500 Database Management Systems
Student Learning hours	70
Content Revised	2000
Prescription Expiry Date	Nov 2007

Level and Assessment Schedule
Topics	Highest Skill Level	Suggested Assessment Percentage
1 4GL Principles	C	20
2 Sample 4GL	A	30
3 4GL Code and Data Integration	A	20
4 Develop an Application	P	30
		100

LEARNING OUTCOMES The Student Will
C	1	Outline the evolution, nature and typical features of 4GL languages and discuss differences that can result from use of a 4GL during program development and its affects on program efficiency.
A	2	Explain the role of and demonstrate the use of features in a sample 4GL.
A	3	Integrate 4GL code and data with other components of the computing environment.
P	4	Create a complete sample application in the sample 4GL.

CONTENT

1	4GL Principles

>	Outline the evolution of 4GL languages and explain current trends and developments including discussion of de facto standards.
>	Outline the way a typical 4GL reduces development time and maintenance costs while improving quality.
>	Describe the efficiency of the 4GL solution.
>	Identify the features that may be included in a 4GL. These could include CASE tools, help facilities, nonprocedural query languages, documentation facilities, application generators, etc.
>	Identify and suggest procedures to remedy common pitfalls resulting in the failures of 4GL developments.
>	Identify the ways the 4GL development cycle differs from that in the 3GL environment. Discuss the role of prototyping.

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2	Sample 4GL

>	For a sample 4GL examine how it is invoked, its main development facilities, how to save files or applications and how to terminate a session.
>	Explain the central role of Database Management Systems and data dictionaries for the overall performance and function of the sample 4GL.
>	Create a data definition, including file or table definition, attribute identification and type definition, key selection, default setting and range and validity checks.
>	Create sample input screens.
>	Create hard copy reports with the sample 4GL. Include, if available, control breaks and totalling.
>	Apply the processing logic definition and data validation to data and screen definitions established earlier.
>	Create and connect menus to the sample application.

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3	4GL Code and Data Integration

>	Differentiate between integrated data and interfaced data.
>	Discuss both of the following and implement one of them:
		-Have the application access external data. This could involve either importing data or interfacing data.
		-Have external software access data within a 4GL application.
>	Discuss both of the following and implement one of them:
		-Have the sample 4GL execute an external program or execute internal 3GL code.
		-Have external software execute an application written in the sample 4GL.
>	Demonstrate how external programs or code can exchange parameters with 4GL programs.

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4	Develop an Application

>	Apply the data definition, screen and report layout definition and logic definitions of the sample 4GL to create a complete sample application in the 4GL. If possible both interactive (on-line) or batch applications should be implemented.
>	Demonstrate the operation of the sample 4GL application with some test data.
>	Investigate the performance and the computing resource consumption of the solution.

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Note
>	The 4GL used, for demonstrating 4GL features, should support multistation applications.