|
|
A Step Beyond 4GL
C/BASE™4GL is a visually oriented application development system that is a step beyond 4GL, providing the capability of developing sophisticated applications without the need for using a procedural language. C/BASE™4GL is Rapid Application Development system that can create most applicaitons in a fraction of the time in comparison to competitive products.
C/BASE 4GL - All The Development Tools You Need.
C/BASE™4GL offers sets of development tools - all visually oriented, on-the-screen facilities - which are one step beyond third and fourth generation languages. These facilities are accessed from hierarchical menus, and provide a "what you see is what you get" approach to:
- Defining a database structure for file attributes.
- Designing entry and query forms - "programs".
- Designing and generating reports.
- Creating sophisticated user menus.
- Displaying data in the files in tabular format.
While most applications can be designed and produced with the C/BASE™4GL visual tools, experienced users can opt for a Command Interface for quick access to DBMS utilities or development tools. At this level, a wide range of possibilities are presented to the more sophisticated developer. Further, a Programming Language Interface (available separately as C/BASE 4GL Utilities) is available for C programmers who wish to access a data base and by-pass the C/BASE 4GL interpretive interfaces.
C/BASE 4GL - A DBMS For Application Developers C/BASE™4GL is engineered to increase the productivity of system developers. It consists of a complete set of tools for developing applications and is used extensively by system integrators, software houses, and software developers in large corporations.
Design Applications Which Work for You
With the most powerful and easy to use forms generator available, you can define applications which adapt to your business, not the other way around. Multiple forms can be chained to produce a complete entry/query "program". The same form can access several files with the process being completely transparent to the user. Complex calculations can be made on fields accessed by a value inserted in another field. Multiple forms can interact with the same file, and automatic validation of cross-referenced relations can be made with values in one file automatically extracted and placed in another. Forms can be split between frozen header information and scrolling detail lines. These examples are only a sample of the possibilities. Additionally, query and entry forms - "programs" - are part of the development tools. Report generation is just as powerful. It allows for updates of processed files. Menu generation is flexible and easy. All menus are designed visually on the screen, and engineered to make the job of defining applications easier.
Runs on UNIXWARE 7, SCO OPENSERVER, AIX, SOLARIS, BSDI, LINUX, DOS and Windows 95/98/NT.
Developed under the UNIX operating system, C/BASE™4GL software also runs on MS-DOS and Windows 95/98/NT. C/BASE™4GL data files and applications (such as report programs and screen definitions) produced under any one of these operating systems are portable between machines and operating systems. And, of course, the user interface for applications you develop will be the same on all machines. C/BASE™4GL runs on a full range of computer systems from micros to minicomputers including: AT&T, Altos, Bull, DEC, IBM (PC & RS/6000), NCR, SUN, Motorola, MIPS, Intel Pentium, to name a few.
Distributed Data
C/BASE™4GL employs a central Data Dictionary which allows files in the same data base to be distributed over several directories, volumes, and even devices. You can easily design databases for logical distribution on networks, and your users do not need to be restricted to one data volume directory at a time.
Transaction Logging For Data Integrity
Sophisticated transaction logging enables complete data recovery from the last back-up. In order to conserve valuable disk space and insure maximum performance, the application designer may specify on a file-by-file basis which files are to be logged. Individual processes may also request or deny logging. All data base definition changes are logged as well. If there is a data disaster, the back-up is mounted and automatically "played against" the logging for complete recovery.
C/BASE 4GL - RMS, The File System
The Record Management System (RMS) is the heart of the C/BASE™4GL DBMS. It is an extremely powerful, yet flexible, record and file management system which allows files to be structured in a way appropriate to their special use. The RMS permits files to be distributed over physical devices, and it permits access to its data from both C/BASE™4GL high level interactive entries as well as from C programs using C/BASE™4GL Utilities.
C/BASE 4GL Record Management Features
Location of files - Individual files within a database may be distributed to any directory, volume or device accessible to the user.
File Structure - RMS supports three user definable file structures so that files can be efficiently organized
- Indexed Sequential for multiple keyed access to files. (This is the most
powerful and flexible method.)
- Hashed organization for fast access to files where primary keys are
mostly unique.
- Sequential organization for transaction files not requiring the overhead
of indexes.
Files, once defined with one structure, are easily changed to another and are automatically converted. With the exception of hashed files, RMS does not require the pre-allocation of files. All files may be up to a maximum of 2 billion records. Pre-allocated hashed files may be easily expanded. Field definitions are defined with a unique name for the file. Also, RMS records the logical description, maximum length, and type of data. It allows for eight types of data: String, Character, Integer, Real Number, Money, Date, Time, and Boolean.
Key structure - Each file may have up to 128 different keys. Keys may be constructed with up to eight noncontiguous fields. Key structure, once defined, is easy to change and is fully maintained by RMS. Files may be accessed by several keys in the same program/procedure (including report definitions). RMS will maintain the key structure integrity in all keys dynamically. Hashed and sequential files can also contain secondary indexes. C/BASE 4GL - Designing Data Entry and Query Forms
C/BASE™4GL data entry forms are used for everything from single file loads to complex tasks such as accessing multiple files for intricate applications such as order entry. Forms are designed with the program FORMDEF which actually describes a chain of forms to produce a complete "program". The designer starts the definition by filling in a form. He names the data file to be accessed, how the form is to be situated on the screen (e.g., is it frozen with subsequent forms scrolling below, etc.), and what is the next form in the chain. Then, on a blank screen, the designer creates precisely the entry/query form desired.
Utilizing standard cursor control keys, the designer moves to a location on the screen and types descriptive text. Inserting and deleting text, lines, and fields is as easy as with any standard word processor. All entry fields are denoted by reverse video. When a new field is desired, the designer employs the Add function key, and a screen is displayed with a form to describe the field.
The field name is chosen from the file data dictionary with its special attributes.
The field may be:
- A required entry by the operator.
- Display only - no entry allowed.
- Hidden - not displayed at all.
The field may have:
- Special editing to control entry.
- A default value.
- An initial value.
The field's entry may be:
- Validated against another file.
- Extracted from the record in a previously validated file.
Fields can also have a validation form. This allows an operator to query information from a validation file so as to update the given field. Upon finding the field, the designer returns to the form with the new field inserted.
Complex Applications without a Programming Language
Some of the following situations are all easy to define with C/BASE™4GL Forms Definition. You wish to design a customer order entry form which requires the entry of a valid customer number. Additionally, you want to query the customer database to find valid customers and at the same time make an on-the-spot entry of new customers. C/BASE™4GL affords a solution without the necessity of a procedural language. Next, you wish to automatically extract information from the customer file to insert in the order file, while displaying only that which is appropriate for possible change. C/BASE™4GL offers a simple approach, just answer questions on the file definition form.Finally, you wish to have an order header frozen at the top of the screen and order detail lines scrolling below. Also, you want the detail lines to show the description and price automatically inserted from a separate inventory file. These features - frozen headers, interaction with several files, and scrolling detail - are present on the screen simultaneously due to C/BASE 4GL.C/BASE 4GL gives you the power to design complete forms "programs" to interact with your database. The forms program does all of the file interaction and is completely transparent to the user. Forms design is simple and easy on the screen without ever learning a single 4GL command.
C/BASE 4GL - Designing Reports, Procedures, And Menus
Designing Reports C/BASE™4GL provides report generators which enable you to extract database information, manipulate and analyze the data, and even update database files. The Reports Generator is a powerful interface with the C/BASE 4GL file system. It retains independence so that generated reports remain valid with database changes.
In addition to producing reports, the Report Generator contains a powerful Procedural Language enabling sophisticated processes including file updates.There are two levels available for creating report programs. The first level, WTRDEF, is available from a menu interface. It is an on-screen visual report writer permitting new users to produce reports interactively. The second level, REPORT WRITER, consists of structured English-like language statements which produce procedure oriented report programs.
Some of the powerful features of C/BASE 4GL Report Writer:
- Report Writer is interactive with RMS. Field characteristics from the dictionary are
- automatically implemented in reports.
- There is true independence between Report Writer and RMS - additions and
- changes to the data files do not require recompilation of report programs.
- Report programs can access multiple files.
- Report programs can update RMS files.
- Routinesare available for printing the date, time, and page number.
- Data type conversions are performed when necessary.
Designing Menus
Applications need menus to tie the parts together. C/BASE™4GL has one of the most powerful menu generators available. C/BASE™4GL application menus are designed right on the screen - just like building a forms program or report. The menus have the same appearance and interface as those used in C/BASE™4GL. Selected items are accessed with either a cursor or first letters. There is no predefined restriction on layout or design. Selections may be grouped together into several columns or presented in any pleasing way. Menus may be nested - all defined in the same operation.
C/BASE™4GL offers the designer the power and flexibility to produce menus which not only display choices, but also work for the application. Operating system commands may be accessed from within menus. Selected items may automatically initiate an entire chain of operations: C/BASE 4GL commands and processes, operating systems commands, utilities, sorts, merges, and so forth. And you can even request information from the operator which may be passed on to called operations or used to conditionally perform various tasks.
Table - Ad Hoc Decision Analysis Tool
Table is an ad hoc query facility which allows you to display and manipulate information in your C/BASE™4GL data files in tabular format, similar to the format used in popular spreadsheet programs. Each data record is displayed as a horizontal row and each field is shown as a separate column. The choices for data manipulation are displayed across the bottom of the screen in a Command Menu. Data manipulation is performed on a working copy of the file created from the original data file. The following operations are possible. You can format the field/column width, insert and delete fields, join data from other related files, and sort and extract records on the screen. Formatted output to printers is provided. |
|
