NACCQ - Qualifications

Information and Communications
Technology Qualifications

| Back to list of Prescriptions

Prescription: FG70n (FG30n)Fourth Generation Languages

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 2005

Level and Assessment Schedule
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

The Student Will

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.

top