Re: success-path-only software

Programming Languages
Both systems and application software are written in coding schemes called
programmming languages. The primary function of a programming language is
to provide instructions to the computer system so it can perform a
processing activity. Programming involves translating what a user wants to
accomplish into a code that the computer can understand and execute.

Like writing a report, in English writing a computer program in a
programming language uses a set of symbols that have special meaning. Each
language has its own set of rules, called the syntax of the language. the
language syntax dictates how the symbols should be combined into statements
capable of conveying meaningful instructions to the computer.

Programming languages were developed to help solve particular problems. So
because they were each developed for different problems, they contain
different attributes. We know attributes to be characteristics which are
connected directly to the problem itself. This also suggests we arrived
back at the context of the data in the table above being only sufficient for
a limited use.

Attributes of Programming Languages


The different attributes of programming languages can be diverse within
their own categories. The table below suggests that the two extremes for
each of the porgramming language capabilities can be shown as a quantity
which exists between two extremes.


--------------Programming Language
Attributes -----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------

Extreme 1 Extreme 2

Live data -
Supports programming of batch processing Supports programming of real-time
systems
systems with data collected into a set with each data transaction
processed as it occurs
and processed at one time

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Type of coding -
Requires a programmer to write Enables a programmer to write
nonprocedure-oriented code,
procedure-oriented code, describing describing the end result desired
without having to specify
step-by-step each action the how to accomplish it
computer must take

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
File-oriented or processor-oriented -
Supports business applications that require the Supports sophisticated
scientific computations
ability to store, retrieve, and manipulate alphanumeric
data and process large files

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Time required for coding -
Programmers are less productive and able Programmers are more productive
and are able to
to create only a small amount of code create a large amount of code per
unit time
per unit time

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
A typical table of Programming lannguage attributes see Fundamentals of
Information Systems by Stair, et al pp. 78 is above:



Fourth Generation languages emphasize what output results are desired rather
than how programming statements are to be written. Many managers and
executives with little or no training in computers and programming are using
fourth-generation languages (4GLs). Some prime examples include Visual C++,
Visual Basic, PowerBuilder, DElphi, Forte, Focus, Powerhouse, and SAS. What
they mean to suggest as an explanation for their category is not clear, to
me.

One point which I can evaluate, would be related to PowerBuilder. This is a
software application about which several books are available. I read some
chapters which described the PowerBuilder software The feature which seems
important involves the ability to allow several programmers to work together
by allowing them to share templates, and functions. Te templates are
created by a programmer in charge of that work. Data connections and
various important functions are implemented by using the Microsoft ADO
connections as implemented withing the PowerBuilder software.

It also occurs to me, that the 4GL capabilities re largely related to the
GUI interface that is associated with whatever applications will be
developed. The use of these 4GL progamming language IDEs is largely related
to the simplified development of a set of user interfaces. I have not used
those capabilities very much, except in study of the basic 4GL software
documentation.


Object-oriented progamming languages encompass both data and the procedures
or actions which will be performed upon them, within objects. thus an
object consists of the object (with data) and whatever actions that can be
performed on the data. An object could be data about an employee, and all
of the actions (such as payroll calculations) that could be performed on the
data.

Building programs and applications using object-oreiented programming
programming languages is like constructing a building iusing prefabricated
modules or parts. the object containing the data, instructions, and
procedures is a programming building block. The same objects (modules) can
be used repeatedly. An object can relate to data on a product, an input
rputine, or an order-processing routine.

Objects can direct a computer to execute other programs, or to retrieve and
manipulate data.

A primary advantage of objects is that they contain reusable code, so those
objects can be used with different programs for a variety of applications.
Programmers can write code to solve applicaton problems, and then insert
alternative objects where the solution can be applied.

By combining existing program objects with new ones, programmers can
efficiently develop new object oriented programs to accomplish
organizational goals.

Some of the popular object-oriented languages are Smalltalk, C++, and Java.
I revert back to my idea that the programming interface being offered is a
large part of the solution which these languages are created to be.

Visual Programming Languages
Visual programming languages use a visual environment including pull-down
menus to make programming easer and intuitive. Visual Basic, PC Cobol, and
Visual C++ are examples of visual programming languages.

Some characteristics of visual progamming languages make them appropriate
for particular types of problems or applications. OBOL has excellent file
handling capabilities and database facilities for large quantities of
business data, while FORTRAN is suited for scientific applications. Jave ai
a choice for Web developers by its portability. COBOL is a standard for
business (authored 2001 Stair and Reynolds).


End User Systems Development Life Cycle
The term end-user systems development, describes any system development
project in which the primary effort is undertaken by a combination of
business managers and users. Rather than ignoring these users' initiatives,
astute IS professionals encourage them by offering guidance and support.
Technical assistance, communication of standards, and the sharing of "best
practices" throughout the organization are just some of the ways IS
professionals work with motivated managers and employees undertaking their
own systems development.

This open communications among managers and IS professionals in regard to an
important business area and the users, allows the IS professionals to
identify specific initiatives so that additional organizational resources,
beyond the prerogative of the initiating business manager or user, are
provided for in the design and considered as strong development options.

Prototyping
An iterative approach to the systems development process includes
prototyping. During each iteration, requirements and alternative solutions
to the problem are identified and analyzed, new solutions are designed, and
a portion of the system is implemented. Users then try the prototype and
give their impressions as feedback. Prototyping begins with the creation of
a preliminary model of a major subsystem, or a scaled-down version of the
entire system. An example, a prototype to show sample report formats and
input interface screens.

Once developed and refined, the prototypical reports and input screens are
used as models for the actual system, which may be developed using SAS,
Focus, or Visual Basic (end-user programming languages).

One the first generational model is complete, it is refined to form the next
generation model of the system, until the final system is completed. The
final system is brought into the changeover for implementation.



Prorotyping technique --

System development initiated

Investigate and analyze problem
sufficiently to develop workable
solution

Develop prototype - |
|
Put prototype into operation | repeat -iteration
|
Refine and develop prototype -

Complete component or system


Chapter 8 of Fundamentals of Information Systems is an excellent presenation
about systems development including systems (1) investigation, (2) systems
analysis, (3) systems design, (4) systems implementation, and (5) systems
maintenance and review.


"Food Fighter" <chefofspaghetti@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:J9qdndX9Mo1GCgLVnZ2dnUVZ_gOdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxx
I'm reviewing the issues in constraint programming. Chapter 5 of the
book


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: GoTo in Java
    ... large graphics applications or gaming or simulation software; ... code maintaining shop if you do this.) ... Scripting languages are programming languages; ...
    (comp.lang.cobol)
  • Re: compiler for Chinese development language
    ... This relates to the development of vernacular ... Indian vernacular display, OS and programming languages. ... Bangla and other vernaculars. ...
    (comp.compilers)
  • Re: Head-in-the-Sand Liberals (LA Times Columnist)
    ... You claimed to have known several computer languages, ... If you lie about knowing computer languages, ... of the programming loop for a functional ... You also don't know Java. ...
    (rec.org.mensa)
  • Re: Is there a mainframe skills shortage?
    ... That's because the author of the article is comparing it to standard SQL. ... and material around Lamdas and functional programming. ... obvious which languages were the ones to learn. ... stick to writing system software and leave applications to the COBOL ...
    (comp.lang.cobol)
  • Re: GoTo in Java
    ... Scripting languages are programming languages; ... override the method.via an interface, or write a new method in the wrapper. ...
    (comp.lang.cobol)