
Choosing and using
a
programming
language
Why use a 4GL?
The productivity gains to be derived from using a 4GL have already
been mentioned i.e. that programs can be written seven to ten times as
quickly using a 4GL instead of COBOL.
Another advantage of using a fourth generation language is that it
makes it easier and therefore cheaper to train staff to write programs.
The non-procedural elements of
a
4GL tend to be very easy to learn,
and a programmer only needs to learn how to program the procedural
elements. Training courses are hence shorter, and it takes less time to
get thoroughly to grips with the language.
A third advantage is that