SFT2204

Fourth-generation systems

S Tucker and J Miller

4 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: SFT1102
* Prohibitions: CFR3332, SFT3030

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand the history and nature of 4GLs, their scope and application. They will be able to evaluate and select an appropriate 4GL, and implement it successfully, recognising its organisational impact. They will appreciate the specail design requirements of GUI applications, use query and report tools, and build applications using current RAD (Rapid Application Development) graphic tools. They will recognise and implement the special requirements of 4GL programming in the following environments: desktop, mainframe, client/server and Internet.

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: Test-based and Windows using current RAD tools, effective GUI design. Specific requirements and features of application environments: desk-top, mainframe, client/server, Internet.

Assessment Assignments and practical examination: 60%
* Theory examination (2 hours): 40%

Recommended texts

Holloway S Fourth generation systems Nelson, 1991
Malamud C Ingres: Tools for building and information architecture Nelson, 1988
Martin J Fourth generation languages vol. 1.1, Savant, 1983