Re: What are the differences between RDS and 4GL ??

->Date: Tue, 8 Mar 94 11:13:08 EST ->From: Joseph P DeCello III <decello@discovery.cpp.msu.edu> ->To: alan@po.den.mmc.com ->Subject: Re: What are the differences between RDS and 4GL ?? ->Reply-To: decello@cad.msu.edu -> ->] The compiled and RDS versions of Informix 4GL use the identical source ->] code for programs and forms. The compiled version compiles to native ->] machine code via C, while the RDS "compiles" source to p-code, which is ->] interpreted by the RDS runner. ->] -> ->If we buy the RDS software, your're saying that this includes 4GL and 4GL/GX? -> RDS includes the 4GL language. It does NOT include 4GL/GX. See below. ->] Compiled code sometimes runs a little faster than RDS code, but the data- ->] base is normally the bottleneck, not the application code. It is easier to ->] use C subroutines with the compiled version; however, it is possible to ->] rebuild the RDS runner to incorporate your own C subroutines. ->] ->] The two main advantages that RDS has over compiled are: ->] 1. the integrated debugger, which I have never used, and ->] 2. 4GL/GX, which puts a partial GUI face in front of a 4GL program; it runs ->] the same p-code as the normal character based RDS. ->] More on 4GL/GX later, if you are interested. ->] ->] I have successfully built several multi-window applications in Informix 4GL ->] under Sun OpenLook. The applications in the separate windows run mostly ->] independently, using synchronization tables in the database when needed. ->] I also use 4GL to build reports and then open a window using the `less' ->] file viewer to display the reports. ->] -> ->So I wouldn't need a report writter if I have Informix 4GL?? Can I formt it ->and print it buy running a script from 4gl when the user selects a print button? -> Correct. Informix 4GL (either compiled or RDS) contains a powerful report writer as part of the language. ->I would like more info on 4GL/GX please. -> -> ->Joe 4GL/GX is a separate product from RDS, but it works with the RDS version of 4GL. 4GL/GX is simply an alternate runner that gives a GUI look to your screens. It has the advantage that it can use the same p-code as that produced by RDS and used by the standard character-based RDS runner. In theory, you don't need to retranslate your 4GL source, just use the alternate runner. In reality, you need to redesign your forms a bit, because GX has a different aspect ratio; some forms that work fine in character mode are too tall for the screen in GX mode. 4GL/GX does a good job of converting the ring menus of 4GL (like Lotus ring menus) into a set of buttons that are clickable with the mouse. Last time I saw 4GL/GX (over a year ago) its major problem was that it was much slower than normal RDS, because of repeated screen paints when you clicked buttons, etc. I hope Informix has improved the speed in the interim. Regards, Alan ___________________________ ______________________| R. Alan Popiel |__________________________ \\ Internet: | Martin Marietta, SLS | / \\ alan@den.mmc.com | P.O. Box 179, M/S 3810 | Std disclaimers apply. / )Voice: | Denver, CO 80201-0179 USA | ( / 303-977-9998 |___________________________| (But you knew that!) \\ /________________________) (____________________________\\