HP 3000 Manuals HP 3000 Manuals
HP ALLBASE/4GL Enhancements
by Michael Pardy
Australian Software Operation
Release B.01 of HP ALLBASE/4GL is now available on MPE XL systems. This
release introduces remote database access, automatic logic and screens,
direct access to HP ALLBASE/QUERY, and two developer utilities.
HP ALLBASE/4GL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
HP ALLBASE/4GL is an advanced fourth generation language that enables the
developer to quickly create applications that are easy to use. Instead
of coding HOW things should happen, the application developer describes
WHAT the solution will be. For instance, to change the layout of a
screen, the developer simply selects the fields to be moved by pointing
to them and pressing a function key, and then uses the cursor keys to
describe their new position. To change an input field to a display field
the developer calls up a screen form called "Screen Field Details" and
chooses "D" at the Input/Display prompt. Once again, the developer
simply says what will happen, rather than specifying a step by step
procedure of how to do it.
Enhancements Provided in This Release
This release of HP ALLBASE/4GL further increases the speed with which
applications can be developed. And for customers who need applications
that access relational data stored on remote Hewlett-Packard computers,
this release offers an immediate solution.
Module Builder
In Release B.01, Dictionary definitions of SQL tables and files can be
used in the Module Builder facility to create "modules". A module
contains a data entry screen and the logic necessary to add, delete,
modify, and view records in a file or SQL database.
To create a program with the same functionality using a 3GL would take
hours, possibly days. With Module Builder, the developer simply enters
the name of the existing table and presses a function key. It takes
seconds.
Modules can be used as fully operational prototypes to help the user
clarify requirements early, and as the application's core to speed up
development. Using HP ALLBASE/4GL's Screen Painter, Logic Facility, and
Report Writer, developers can make core applications as complex as
necessary to satisfy a client's needs. However, even the most complex
application will be easy to use. This is because the creation of menu
items, context-sensitive help screens, and function keys, are supported
by HP ALLBASE/4GL.
Remote Data Access
The combination of remote data access and the portability of HP
ALLBASE/4GL applications means that for all HP ALLBASE/SQL networks an
application need be developed only once.
This release of HP ALLBASE/4GL for MPE XL systems fully utilizes the
facilities of a recently introduced product, HP ALLBASE/NET, to access
and update data stored on other computers in the network. HP ALLBASE/NET
creates and maintains a database server within a network of computers,
and is now available for all of Hewlett-Packard's Precision Architecture
(HP-PA) systems, as well as its HP 9000 Series 300 workstations.
Direct Access to HP ALLBASE/QUERY
Release B.01 also introduces a feature that makes it easy for developers
to create applications in HP ALLBASE/4GL that include direct access to HP
ALLBASE/QUERY. HP ALLBASE/QUERY is Hewlett-Packard's query management
facility for relational data stored under HP ALLBASE/SQL.
By pressing a function key, end-users can call up HP ALLBASE/QUERY and be
guided through the steps required to create ad hoc queries and generate
reports without involving a software developer.
Developer Utilities
Two utilities that help to shorten the learning curve for newly hired
software developers have also been introduced. The utilities: HP4STOA
and HP4ATOS that enable developers to generate and manipulate ASCII files
that contain an application's source code. This makes it easy for
developers to investigate the structure of an application, cross
reference field types, or print out procedure trees, etc. These
utilities also allow developers to use traditional system tools such as
Revision Control System (RCS) to administer the development environment.
Availability
HP ALLBASE/4GL is available in two versions. The Run-Time Environment
(HP 30602A) includes everything needed to run (but not modify) a
completed HP ALLBASE/4GL application. The Developer Pack (HP 30601A)
includes the facilities for application development, plus facilities for
running applications as an end-user. Hence the Developer Pack includes a
complete set of test facilities. Application elements can be tested
individually, or a complete application can be run as if by the end user.
Step tracing, with trace log files, is always available.
Both versions of HP ALLBASE/4GL (Developer and Run-Time Environment) come
complete with an Administration application. This allows tailoring of
application screen appearance, system-wide standards (such as date and
time formats), and control of end-user application security. With tools
as sophisticated as HP ALLBASE/4GL, maximum benefit can only be gained
with training. For this reason, the product includes a Self-Paced
Training Guide, as well as reference and administration manuals. Part
numbers for these manuals are:
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Administration Manual (P/N 30601-64001)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Self-Paced Training Guide (P/N 30601-64003)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Reference Manual (2 volumes) (P/N
30601-64005)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Run-Time Administration Manual (P/N 30602-64001)