Re: NewEra: Anyone using it?

Nils Myklebust wrote: > > pf89@dial.pipex.com (David Beale) wrote: > > :On Sun, 27 Apr 1997 23:29:31 -0500, Mike Segel > :<mikey@segel.NOSPAM-.KING.OF.MYDOMAIN.-NOSPAM.com> wrote: > : > :>David W Chan wrote: > :> > :>> >- Overall experience > :>> > :>> Good language and the tools are improving. Lack of object > :>> partitioning means that partitioning is difficult. Lack of exception > :>> handling makes it hard to handle errors in a controlled way. > :>> > :>Gaff! > :>Good Language? > :>Not! > :>As far as C++ derived languages, Java has it beat hands down. > :>For OO, look at smalltalk and Objective C. > : > :Please compare like with like. > :NewEra's lanaguage is an OO 4gl, the others are 3gl. > :Java is certainly a great language, but I wouldn't want to use it > :create quick reports or simple DB maintenance programs with it, > OK, The question becomes, why a 4GL vs a 3GL? 4GLs were languages which would be parsed in to 3GLs and then compiled. There purpose was to create abstract constructs to hide the underlying details. An example of this is when you open a window within 4GL. In the OO world, abstraction and encapsulation are part of the concept of the language. One would create a window class, which when passed the message to create a new instance, it knows how to do it, hiding the implementation from the programer. So, why a 4GL over an OO language? And if you want to get techincal, C++ could be considered a 4GL since it is parsed back to C code. (At least it was in the first several years of it's development.) But I digress. The distinction of a 4GL vs 3GL vs 5GL is so blurred, that the terminology loses meaning. Nils, is correct in that there are new tools which allow for drag and drop objects which allow for simple creation of apps. However for simple reports, I'd recommend 4GL over other languages. It still a very powerful tool to program with. Of course I still use esql/c for certain jobs too! > : this > :is where a 4gl comes into its own . NewEra with its 4gl and OO > :aspects it becomes a very powerful language, a bit of a > :Jack-of-all-trades. > Unfortunately N.E. fails at being a *jack of all trades* as you call it. Take a look at OpenStep/WebObjects from NeXT/Apple. It was created in '86 got better in '92 and has been improving ever since. N.E. does not offer you platform independance. N.E. 3.0 is the latest windoz version. N.E. 1.1 is the latest for the UNIX world. N.E. lacks the concept of delagation. Rather than always having to subclass an object to add your business logic, it should be possible to instantiate an object, then have the object point to its delegate to handle its messages first. This simplifies the command and control structures in creating sophisticated apps. For example, notice the thread of how to trap focus from one window to another so that you can update different structures in each window? > Which Java is on it's way to become as well. > With Java you will have the advantage of having code generated for the > simple things, but be able to program more complex things in the same > language. With the better RAD tools you can even modify the generated > code and have the user interface is kept in sync (when you modify user > interface code). Added advantages to me. > > Some futures yes, but not very distant. Even the current version of > Java is very usable with the right tools. > Well, I sugest you read the latest IEEE journals discussing Java. Ted Lewis wrote a wonderful article pointing out some flaws. (Deadlocks can occur for one). While I agree that learning Java is a higher priority than learning N.E., I strongly suggest that one is very familiar with C and OO design first. -Just My $.05 worth. [Hey I'm a consultant. I can charge more for my opinions ;-] BTW, in an earlier post I said qualcom. (Eudora folks.) I meant to say quantumcom.com. Please accept my appoligies. [Discussing AGIS and their ilk!] Mikey -- #include <std_disclaimer.h> /* Mike Segel (MS385) */ #include <No_Spam.h> #ifdef OFFENDED_BY_CONTENT The author takes no responsibility for this post. Any resemblence to a coherent rational thought is purely coincidence. -The Management. #endif ***************************** Due to AGIS's Refusal to Act Responsibly We are blocking all of their domains at the packet level. This block will exist until AGIS modifies their policies to conform to existing RFCs and net community standards. We encourage all ISPs and domain holders to do the same. *****************************