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Prescription:FG200 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.
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| Credits | 7
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| Suggested Time | DB100 Database Management Systems
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| Prescription Expiry Date | 70 student learning hours
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| Note | Nov 2002
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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
| | | | > | 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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| | | | > | 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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| | | | > | 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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| | | | > | 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. |
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