Informix on SCO UNIX ODT

To: cfryett@aol.com who wrote: CF> I am currently trying to evaluate whether our current system is running > optimally with the Informix 4.10 we have installed. We are running a DEC 433MP > with 64 Megs RAM, 4 Gigs HD (software array), 2 486/33 processors, and > miscellanous other boards. On an average we have about 20 users on the system > at one time. The users execute a fglgo program for the 4gl application As a long time Informix user/developer, I would say that the box is probably powerful enough. However, we had a problem with SCO MPX (admittedly a long time ago), which was that it actually slowed MP machines down! If this can be discarded as a possible problem, then we must move on ... CF> Question I have is, does the 4gl programs use a lot of memory? How can I It really depends on the individual program. For an "average" program, I would say that 2-3 MB per user is OK. > determine if the 4gl program is designed improperly or using resources Refer it to another developer. > incorrectly. Can a company rely strictly on 4gl code compared with 'C' code Yes, you can rely on 4GL only. I have personally developed and maintained bazillions of totally different apps, and I only use C to do things like interface to funny hardware, *NEVER* in the app itself. > intermixed into the database applications. We are not using Informix as a OLTP > but an accounting package. CF> I know nothing about Informix but am a software engineer who must propose > system expansion, upgrading, and other related issues to this Informix Server. > I sense it is more a 4gl programming error than a lack of system power > (resources). You are almost certainly right. It could also be that the database design for your site is incorrect, leading to wildly inefficient querying. You can also look at creating multiple indexes. I have found that judicious indexing will deliver the most unbelievable performance benefits. CF> Also, if any one can explain what the need would be to get the ESQL/C package > I sure would like to hear from you. What advantages would I gain from this > compared to the straight 4gl development kit. You need an approved (by Informix) C compiler. Advantages: none. I mean you can get better performance from ESQL/C, but you could probably get faster results by trying some of the other stuff I've suggested. And a lot cheaper, too! CF> Just for history, the individual who is writing the 4gl code is not a true > developer but a user put through the Informix courses. Should the company This is very brave. No offence intended, but this is probably NOT the correct approach, unless you have a pretty exceptional user. > spend a couple of thousand dollars to put a developer through the course as > backup even though the developer would not do much 4gl coding? Can that > developer assist the company at a lower level and benefit from the Informix > courses? I'm pretty sure Informix would be happy to consult to you or put you in touch with one of the many Informix software houses around. Unless you have someone in-house that knows about development. But the quickest way to get results, IMHO, is to get someone to check the indexes, then the DB design, then the code, in that order. Hope this helps. (Good luck!) billy.wheeler@digitec.co.za --- . SPEED 1.40 [NR] . . <-- Grain of Salt. Take as needed with above advice ---- Digitec Online - 20 Nodes * Johannesburg, South Africa +27-11-476-2008 * Best BBS * Best Sysop * @digitec.co.za * RsaNET User Choice Awards 1993 *