
6: Choosing and using a
programming language
Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
• Identify the main features of the popular programming languages,
and understand when different languages are appropriate
• Describe the special features of
a
fourth generation language, and the
advantages that it
can
offer
• Outline the use and relevance of expert systems.
Scenario
Imagine you are Director of Management Information Systems for a
large company (Conglomerate Pic), responsible for running the
mainframe computer and managing a large group of technical
staff,
as
well as advising on the use of various smaller computers