HP 3000 Manuals HP 3000 Manuals
HP ALLBASE/4GL Enhancements Include HP TurboIMAGE Interface
by Michael Pardy
Australian Software Operation
This version of ALLBASE/4GL (B.02.01) includes an HP TurboIMAGE
interface. This release introduces read and write access to databases
created under HP TurboIMAGE, increased performance, pull-down menus, and
extra functionality for end-users. Also refer to the related article in
the "Technical Articles" section in this Communicator for a more detailed
description of these enhancements.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
HP ALLBASE/4GL is a highly productive fourth generation language that
enables developers to create sophisticated applications that are easy for
end-users to operate. Developers can use HP ALLBASE/4GL to create
applications that manage and store data in KSAM files, serial files, SQL
tables, and now, HP TurboIMAGE data sets. HP ALLBASE/4GL includes a
Dictionary, Module Builder, Screen Painter, Logic Facility, Report
Writer, and Administrator. These facilities are controlled via screen
forms, menu items, and function keys. They are easy to use and automate
many conventional tasks. The Dictionary and Module Builder facilities
are good examples of this. The HP ALLBASE/4GL Dictionary stores all
application elements such as field descriptions, screen messages, record
layouts, etc. in a central location. Any changes made to dictionary
definitions are disseminated throughout the application's screens and
logic at the press of a key. The Module Builder can use the definitions
of HP TurboIMAGE data sets, SQL tables, and files to automatically create
a module. A module includes a data entry screen and the logic necessary
to add, delete, modify, and view records in a file of SQL database. To
create a program with the same functionality using a 3GL would take
hours, possibly days. With the HP ALLBASE/4GL Module Builder, the
developer simply enters the name of the existing table and presses a
function key. Using the HP ALLBASE/4GL Screen Painter, Logic Facility,
and Report Writer, developers can extend modules to create 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. The following describes the
enhancements included in this version of HP ALLBASE/4GL.
HP TurboIMAGE interface
Developers working with HP TurboIMAGE can now use all the features in HP
ALLBASE/4GL to manage their data. For fast decision support, a single HP
ALLBASE/4GL report can retrieve information from data stored under HP
TurboIMAGE, HP ALLBASE/SQL, KSAM, and serial files at the same time. For
extra productivity, developers can leverage items from existing HP
ALLBASE/4GL applications. The same data screens, field descriptions,
variables, messages, function-key labels, menus, windows, etc., can be
used for all database types. Minor changes to customized logic
structures will be required. With this version of ALLBASE/4GL it is now
simple to transfer data between HP TurboIMAGE, HP ALLBASE/SQL, KSAM, and
serial files. The developer need only write a small process to implement
read and write commands. The different formats are handled transparently
by each database interface.
Increased performance
You can now use binary data types with HP ALLBASE/4GL to store and
transfer data more efficiently. Previously, numbers could only be stored
as strings of ASCII characters. The introduction of binary data types
provides fast and accurate transfer of data stored in different formats.
Performance increases result from direct data transfer (conversions to
and from ASCII are less frequent), and fewer disk reads (binary numbers
take up less disk space).
Pull-down menus
The developer interface has been modified to move towards future
standards for terminal displays. It now includes pull-down menus. This
provides more context for each menu, allowing developers to better locate
their position within the menu tree.
Extra functionality for end-users
Included are two new internal functions that enable developers to include
"Next field" and "Previous field" function keys in their applications.
These function keys can make it easier for users to move around screen
forms and menus. Rather than pressing return after each backtab, the
user need simply press the "Previous field" function key. This provides
the form editing functionality familiar to block mode terminal users
while maintaining the added value of the HP ALLBASE/4GL field mode of
operation.
Availability
HP ALLBASE/4GL is available in two versions. The Run-Time Environment
(HP30602A) includes everything needed to run (but not modify) a completed
HP ALLBASE/4GL application. The Developer Pack (HP30601A) 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
additional manuals are:
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Administration Manual (P/N 30601-64001)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Self-Paced Training Guides (P/N 30601-64003)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Reference Manual (P/N 30601-64005), (2
volumes)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Run-Time Administration Manual (P/N 30602-64001)
* HP ALLBASE/4GL Developer Manual Kit for MPE XL (P/N 30601K),
(Includes all manuals above.)