Re: Dynamic 4GL

Dave McNight wrote: > > When ever we upgrade Online Dynamic Server, we are recommended or > required to upgrade the tools (4GL, ISQL, RDS, ID) for compatability > reasons unless we use the relay module functionality (not recommended > normally). All of our 4GL code is recompiled. This recompile and > testing effort takes a lot of time and effort to insure that > applications still work as the user expects. It seems like we have to go > through this process yearly. With a limited staff, this results in a lot > of unproductive time as far management is concerned. > I think you are doing this as more of a precaution than a need. This is generally a good thing since your code may have a work around that in future releases may not either be necessary or can cause problems. [SNIP] > Our management is potentially looking at some alternatives to 4GL to > get our programmers into a GUI environment and loosen the dependence of > the application from the chosen DBMS (though we are not looking at > ORACLE or SYSBASE as alternatives to Informix DS, at least not in near > term). Any comments and suggestions are most welcome. This is a separate topic from the first. To losen the reliance on a single vendor, you can look to other tools like Rogue Wave C++ libraries. However you would then be tied to whatever C++ libraries that you use for your platform. By this I mean, that if you use MicroSoft for a client, then you are locked in to that platform. Java seems to be the better way to go. SWING is supposed to simplify the AWT and you can go to a three tier development effort. In this vein,ETRUS has a product which will let you use your 4GL code over a java based browser. Its not the final goal, but it will allow you to use a common front-end until you do a Java rewrite. I'm not preaching the Java mantra here, but it is designed for write once use anywhere, and with the major vendors having JDBC compliance, you can then switch the back end. -Mikey BTW, yes, I'm still alive, and no, I didn't drop off the face of the earth like some were hoping for. ;-) -- #include <std_disclaimer.h> /* Mike Segel (MS385) */ #include <No_Spam.h> #ifdef OFFENDED_BY_CONTENT The author takes no responsibility for this post. Any resembalence to a coherent rational thought is purely coincidence. -The Management. #endif ***************************** * Attention * -*- Due to AGIS's Refusal to Act Responsibly We are blocking all of their domains at the packet level. This block will exist until they modify their policies to conform to existing RFCs and net community standards. We encourage all ISPs and domain holders to do the same. *****************************