Informix-4GL
Encyclopedia
Informix-4GL is a 4GL programming language
developed by Informix
during the mid-1980s.
It has two versions of compiler which either produce 1) intermediate byte code for an interpreter (known as the rapid development system), or 2) C Programming Language code for compilation with a C compiler into machine-code (which executes faster, but compiles slower, and executables are bigger). It is specifically designed to run as a client on a network, connected to an IBM Informix database engine service. It has a mechanism for calling C Programming Language functions and conversely, to be called from executing C programs. The RDS version also features an interactive debugger for Dumb terminals. A particular feature is the comprehensive error checking which is built into the final executable and the extremely helpful error messages produced by both compilers and executables. It also features embedded modal statements for changing compiler and executable behaviour (e.g. causing the compiler to include memory structures matching database schema structures and elements, or to continue executing in spite of error conditions, which can be trapped later on).
as chief architect. Roy Harrington was in charge of the related Informix
Turbo (later renamed Online) engine, which bypassed the "cooked" file system in favour of "raw" disk. A Rapid Application Development Tool called FourGen CASE Tools, was bundled with Informix-4GL from 1989 to 1996. Another flavor of Informix programming-tool was produced, called "New Era", which supported object-oriented programming
and a level of code-compatibility with Informix-4GL.
Informix was acquired by IBM in April 2001.
Despite its age, Informix-4GL is still widely used to develop business applications, and a sizable market exists around it due to its popularity. With accounting being an inherently text based activity, it is often chosen for its purely text-based interface to optimize data entry efficiency. New accounting applications are still being developed with Informix-4GL for this reason, such as
LOCbook
which was released in 2010. The Eppix telecommunication accounting system uses IBM Tuxedo services written in the C Programming Language to call pre-compiled 4GL object modules dynamically at run-time.
s and integrated development environment
s, some examples being Four Js Development Tools and Querix. A Belgian company (Anubex) and a company in Latin America (Art-in-Soft) built a translator to the Java programming language
. There is even a free GPL
'ed version called Aubit-4GL
. Another company called MoreData developed technology to call any 4GL function in the native 4GL-generated executables from a Java EE application server, using Java Connector Architecture.
Programming language
A programming language is an artificial language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs that control the behavior of a machine and/or to express algorithms precisely....
developed by Informix
Informix
IBM Informix is a family of relational database management system developed by IBM. It is positioned as IBM's flagship data server for online transaction processing as well as integrated solutions...
during the mid-1980s.
Description
It includes embedded SQL, a report writer language, a form language, and a limited set of imperative capabilities (functions, if and while statements, and supports arrays etc.). The language is particularly close to a natural language and is easy to learn and use.It has two versions of compiler which either produce 1) intermediate byte code for an interpreter (known as the rapid development system), or 2) C Programming Language code for compilation with a C compiler into machine-code (which executes faster, but compiles slower, and executables are bigger). It is specifically designed to run as a client on a network, connected to an IBM Informix database engine service. It has a mechanism for calling C Programming Language functions and conversely, to be called from executing C programs. The RDS version also features an interactive debugger for Dumb terminals. A particular feature is the comprehensive error checking which is built into the final executable and the extremely helpful error messages produced by both compilers and executables. It also features embedded modal statements for changing compiler and executable behaviour (e.g. causing the compiler to include memory structures matching database schema structures and elements, or to continue executing in spite of error conditions, which can be trapped later on).
History
The Informix-4GL project was started in 1985, with Chris MaloneyChris Maloney
James Christopher Maloney is the first base coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. A former minor league first baseman and outfielder, he began the season as the skipper of the Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League, his fifth consecutive season as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple-A...
as chief architect. Roy Harrington was in charge of the related Informix
Informix
IBM Informix is a family of relational database management system developed by IBM. It is positioned as IBM's flagship data server for online transaction processing as well as integrated solutions...
Turbo (later renamed Online) engine, which bypassed the "cooked" file system in favour of "raw" disk. A Rapid Application Development Tool called FourGen CASE Tools, was bundled with Informix-4GL from 1989 to 1996. Another flavor of Informix programming-tool was produced, called "New Era", which supported object-oriented programming
Object-oriented programming
Object-oriented programming is a programming paradigm using "objects" – data structures consisting of data fields and methods together with their interactions – to design applications and computer programs. Programming techniques may include features such as data abstraction,...
and a level of code-compatibility with Informix-4GL.
Informix was acquired by IBM in April 2001.
Despite its age, Informix-4GL is still widely used to develop business applications, and a sizable market exists around it due to its popularity. With accounting being an inherently text based activity, it is often chosen for its purely text-based interface to optimize data entry efficiency. New accounting applications are still being developed with Informix-4GL for this reason, such as
LOCbook
Locbook
LOCbook is a Linux based suite of accounting applications. It is distributed as free software, but requires IBM Informix 4GL and SE or IDS database. Development began in 2005 and it was originally used as an in-house accounting program by a Shell Oil jobber...
which was released in 2010. The Eppix telecommunication accounting system uses IBM Tuxedo services written in the C Programming Language to call pre-compiled 4GL object modules dynamically at run-time.
Extensions and alternatives
Several companies produced clone versions, with or without extended functionality, such as graphical user interfaceGraphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
s and integrated development environment
Integrated development environment
An integrated development environment is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development...
s, some examples being Four Js Development Tools and Querix. A Belgian company (Anubex) and a company in Latin America (Art-in-Soft) built a translator to the Java programming language
Java (programming language)
Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...
. There is even a free GPL
GNU General Public License
The GNU General Public License is the most widely used free software license, originally written by Richard Stallman for the GNU Project....
'ed version called Aubit-4GL
Aubit-4GL
'Aubit-4gl' is a free-ware, open-source, clone-compiler for IBM Informix-4GL with extensions. Free downloads are available. This 4gl generates Embedded SQL/C, which is further expanded into low level C code by the C pre-processor and; which in turn, is finally compiled into machine code...
. Another company called MoreData developed technology to call any 4GL function in the native 4GL-generated executables from a Java EE application server, using Java Connector Architecture.
External links
- Four Js Development Tools provides an IBM Informix 4gl compatible development suite and runtime environment. Multi-platform, multi-database, IDE, Desktop and Web Applications, Web-Services, Graphical Reports.
- Querix Informix-4GL and ESQL/C Development Suite, An Informix-4GL and ESQL/C Development Tool Suite including I4GL, BDS and ESql compatible compiler, cross platform IDE (Eclipse), Rapid Development Tools and WebServices.