Re: Writing reusable 4GL

In article <juq5v0ElJP8F083yn@kcbbs.gen.nz>, kerry@kcbbs.gen.nz (Kerry Sainsbury) wrote: > I've been wanting to write this document for some time. I hope it will > inspire some 4GL programmers to look at modular variables, and see how > fantastic they can be for code reuse. > > A reasonable introduction to classes too, for those on an OOPL path... > > BTW: I'm keen to get a debate going if there are people out there who > disagree with my enthusiastic rantings. >..... > Does everybody use these techniques already? (I know our shop doesn't) > Is there nobody else who cares about this sort of stuff? >..... Yes I use these techniques extensively (and like with yourself it came to me like an awakening). Some object oriented principles are in fact possible with 4gl although somewhat clumsily. My Power-4gl user interface package (see http://www.strengur.is/~frantz/pow4gl.html) makes use of the ideas you mentioned. In fact, I never use global variables anymore. The only part of 4gl that doesn't lend itself well to modularization are the screen interaction statements (i.e. input). Probably not a coincidence that New Era contains 4gl except for the screen interaction statements. John H. Frantz (frantz@centrum.is) Alive in Iceland!