Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand how to evaluate and select an appropriate 4GL and implement it successfully, recognising the organisational impact it will have; be able to use Ingres query and report tools, and build an application in both text-based Ingres and Ingres/Windows 4GL, appreciating the special design requirements of GUI applications; and appreciate the nature of 4GLs, their historical development, scope and application.
Synopsis Application development: the application development environment using fourth-generation languages (4GL) and event-driven programming. Historical background, reasons for using a 4GL and components of a 4GL. 4GL association with: DBMS, data dictionary, prototyping, systems development methodologies, impact on SDLC. User's view of 4GL: planning for success, evaluation criteria, defining strategic use, costing and benefits of 4GL, impact on the organisation. Developing systems: text-based environment using Ingres user interfaces and ABF; Windows environment using Ingres/Windows 4GL, following the principles of graphical user interface design.
Assessment Assignments and practical examination: 60% + Theory examination: 40%