Fourth-generation Systems Research Articles

Diagnosing Communications Problems with Continuous Measures of Subjects' Responses: Applications, Potential Applications, Limitations, and Future Research

Abstract Microcomputer and video developments have made it possible to collect subjects' immediate responses to continuous stimuli, such as television commercials, and to have instant polling results from categorical questions. The applications have become confused, so that this new technology is frequently misapplied. Some of the microcomputer hardware and software lacks sensitivity, so that measures can be misleading. The discussion is based on the author's six years of experience in developing four generations of hardware and software for real-time communications research. Commercial studies illustrate successful applications of the technology, while exploratory academic studies point the direction for new applications. All of these studies revealed weaknesses with the present technology, which required the fourth-generation system. An example from this system is shown and plans for future research are noted.

Review of two fourth generation products for IBM users

Two products available to IBM users for fourth generation system building are Adabas and Model 204. Both are based on DBMS products and both outperform IBM's current offerings in this area. Model 204 has a language called User Language, uses an inverted file architecture to manage data and is designed so that separate TP monitor, compiler etc. are not required. Adabas uses natural as its 4GL, uses inverted files and tree structures for data management, and interfaces with other systems for hardware management.

How to choose a fourth generation system development environment

This second article on fourth generation system building describes the features necessary for a set of products to constitute a viable system development environment (SDE). The requirements for the fourth generation language, diagnostics, database management and hardware management are described. Several products of interest to those purchasing an SDE or wishing to learn more about the fourth generation language scene are listed and some advice on selection is given.

The evolution versus creation debate

Many still feel that fourth generation system (4GL) building is still on the ‘fringe’ of mainstream DP. In fact, an increasing number of organizations are deeply committed to the use of 4GL techniques to the exclusion of cobol. This article compares the ‘evolutionary’ and ‘creative’ approaches to design and shows that evolutionary designs are not sufficiently structured for 4GL implementations.

Automotive electronics: Drivers get more options in 1983: Car makers embrace electronics in an all-out drive to improve performance, handling, fuel economy, riding quality, driver aids, and entertainment

Discusses the use of electronics by some car makers to improve performance, handling, fuel economy, driver aids and entertainment. The Ford Motor Co., for example, is introducing its fourth-generation control system, the EEC-IV, which handles nearly 1 million commands per second with its two Intel microcircuits, an 8061 microprocessor and an 8361 ROM. Microprocessors are also controlling car suspension systems to maintain riding quality and vehicle attitude throughout a range of loading conditions. A sample of available electronic displays include travel computers, warning systems, on-board diagnostics, digital readouts, electronic bar graphs and navigation aids.

Quality Management And End-user Fourth Generation Systems

This paper will first discuss the some of the general principles involved in the management of quality within the context of software development. The nature of fourth generation systems is then analysed, observing their past and current functionality. The location of quality in such systems is then investigated, and a set of metrics proposed and justified. The result of applying the metrics to four specific fourth generation systems is then presented. This leads to the development of a lifecycle model which is proposed as a means of ensuring software quality when the development is undertaken by end-users.