Fourth generation languages and their application during system development.
Fourth generation languages (4GLs) describes a set of computer based tools or facilities
which assist program users in the design and preparation of an application. They help the user
to develop their own application more readily and cheaply without consulting analysts and
programmers.
Fourth generation languages can help users during an information system development in the
following ways: -
1. 4GLs are non-procedural and as such, program functions are not produced by the user
but the 4GL itself. Users simply request for the data processing result or output instead
of providing the detail physical and logic used. This helps to come up with applications
more quickly and cheaply with minimal errors. This aspect is critical in the case of
program development and results to increased programmers productivity.
2. 4GLs are problem oriented in that programs are designed to solve particular problems
using English like structures. Being problem oriented makes the language more productive to specific applications. This is vital in the case of information system
development since it ensures quality and productivity of applications developed.
3. 4GLs enhance user creativity and productivity. Unlike procedural languages, 4GL tends
to promote user computing spirit and skills. User acceptance acknowledgement and
understanding will enhance reduction of technophobia: thus more quality and reliable
systems.
4. System maintenance and flexibility is enhanced. 4GLs facilitate a continuous process of
application development. The rigid requirement and the technical requirement involved
in system development life cycle is reduced. Change in user requirements can always be
incorporated in the systems design from time to time.
5. 4GLs enhance end user computing and so limiting the use of IT staff.
6. They help the organisation to top over creativity thus new information systems will be of
higher quality.
7. 4GLs help in the diffusion of information technology throughout the organisation.
gregorymasila answered the question on November 30, 2017 at 13:47
- Due to complexity of information systems development, a number of tools and methodologies have been used to resolve this complexity. Some of such tools and...(Solved)
Due to complexity of information systems development, a number of tools and methodologies have been used to resolve this complexity. Some of such tools and methodologies include Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) and Prototyping.
Required:
Identify those aspects of information systems development life cycle for which these tools or techniques are available illustrating their application in each case.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the role of a database administrator in an organisation.(Solved)
Examine the role of a database administrator in an organisation.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- For applications such as banking, it may be argued that security is a major concern when implementing database systems. As a database administrator, you are...(Solved)
For applications such as banking, it may be argued that security is a major concern when implementing database systems. As a database administrator, you are expected to explain five security features expected to be included with the design of the database systems.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is meant by cost/benefit analysis? Illustrate its relevance to the System Analyst during systems development life cycle(Solved)
What is meant by cost/benefit analysis? Illustrate its relevance to the System Analyst during systems development life cycle
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Examine any four desirable features which should be inherent in an operating system(Solved)
Examine any four desirable features which should be inherent in an operating system.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Decisions can either be classified as structured (programmed) or unstructured (non-programmed). Required: (i) Distinguish between programmed and non-programmed decisions. (ii) Identify each of the following with...(Solved)
Decisions can either be classified as structured (programmed) or unstructured (non-programmed).
Required:
i) Distinguish between programmed and non-programmed decisions.
ii) Identify each of the following with the type of decision to which it may apply.
- Computer program;
- Stock ordering;
- Judgement;
- Regulation.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- You recently attended a seminar organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) on information management into the 21st century. One of...(Solved)
You recently attended a seminar organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants
of Kenya (ICPAK) on information management into the 21st century. One of the topics
covered was on Internet and its impact on the society. Your first task is to explain to the
senior management the effect of Internet on the following sectors of society.
i) Education.
ii) Service provision industry.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Identify and describe the main criteria which should be met by a local area network design.(Solved)
Identify and describe the main criteria which should be met by a local area network design.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- What reasons would you put forward for adopting a database as a basis for an information system?(Solved)
What reasons would you put forward for adopting a database as a basis for an information system?
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- It has been cited that Information Technology has caused more harm than good. One of the vices sited is computer related crime. Outline and briefly describe...(Solved)
It has been cited that Information Technology has caused more harm than good. One of
the vices sited is computer related crime. Outline and briefly describe four categories of
computer related crimes.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Everything an expert system can do, a decision support system (DSS) can also do?. Discuss any four grounds that consistently support or disapprove this statement....(Solved)
Everything an expert system can do, a decision support system (DSS) can also do.
Discuss any four grounds that consistently support or disapprove this statement.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Whenever a user buys a software, it is essential that the software comes with a seller maintenance contract. As an outside consultant, you are required...(Solved)
Whenever a user buys a software, it is essential that the software comes with a seller
maintenance contract. As an outside consultant, you are required to explain to the user what
a seller maintenance contract is and the specifications required by the user in a seller
maintenance contract.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Most users interact with their computer systems through a command-driven interface or graphical interface. As a person in charge of Information Technology (IT), your...(Solved)
Most users interact with their computer systems through a command-driven interface or
graphical interface. As a person in charge of Information Technology (IT), your boss is
proposing that you move away from the command driven interface you are currently
using, to a new platform which is object-based and has appealing interface as well as
being more user friendly.
What advise might you offer your boss regarding this proposal
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Without proper consideration of the behaviour of people in the business organisation setting even the best technically designed system is likely to fail.Required: (a) Analyse the...(Solved)
Without proper consideration of the behaviour of people in the business organisation setting
even the best technically designed system is likely to fail.
Required:
a) Analyse the most common reasons that may lead to resistance to the introduction of
Management Information Systems and how an organisation can overcome it.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Change is inevitable. Change occurs in many ways and adapting to change is a primary management responsibility. Identify the factors, which bring about change in anorganisation....(Solved)
Change is inevitable. Change occurs in many ways and adapting to change is a primary
management responsibility. Identify the factors, which bring about change in an
organisation.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- The widespread use of computers in offices have raised major health and safety issues. Describe three major health related problems that may result from intensive...(Solved)
The widespread use of computers in offices have raised major health and safety issues.
Describe three major health related problems that may result from intensive computer use
and list three products that may be made available to improve the working conditions of
personnel using computers.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Distinguish between online and offline transactions(Solved)
Distinguish between online and offline transactions.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Describe any three basic strategies that an organisation can employ to obtain competitive advantage and illustrate the role of Information Technology in each case(Solved)
Describe any three basic strategies that an organisation can employ to obtain competitive advantage and illustrate the role of Information Technology in each case.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Name six guidelines required for the development of new information systems.(Solved)
Name six guidelines required for the development of new information systems.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)
- Explain the meaning of the following terms, bringing out clearly the distinction between the terms in each pair (i) Unit testing and systems testing(Solved)
Explain the meaning of the following terms, bringing out clearly the distinction between the
terms in each pair.
i) Unit testing and systems testing.
ii) Preventive and perfective maintenance.
iii) Co-processing and parallel processing.
iv) Logical and physical design of a system.
Date posted: November 30, 2017. Answers (1)