Software that generates application programs from descriptions of the problem rather than by traditional programming. It is at a higher level and easier to use than a high-level programming language such as C/C++ or COBOL. One statement or descriptive line may generate a huge routine or an entire program. Generators used for complex program development allow if-then-else programming to be expressed along with the simpler descriptive of the inputs and required outputs.
Results Can Be Slow Running
The problem with such high-level systems is that either the resulting code is too bloated and therefore too slow, or certain functions simply cannot be performed at all. As a result, commercial programs are rarely written in these languages. Application generators are used for business information systems, but often only for creating prototypes that are later reprogrammed in a language such as C/C++ or Java.
Faster Computers Absorb the Overhead
As computers run faster, they are capable of absorbing the excess code generated by higher-level products. Although not yet achieved, it has always been expected that some day extremely high-level development tools will be used by most developers, relegating traditional programming languages to a small number of highly-skilled individuals. See CASE, application development system and foundation classes.
Results Can Be Slow Running
The problem with such high-level systems is that either the resulting code is too bloated and therefore too slow, or certain functions simply cannot be performed at all. As a result, commercial programs are rarely written in these languages. Application generators are used for business information systems, but often only for creating prototypes that are later reprogrammed in a language such as C/C++ or Java.
Faster Computers Absorb the Overhead
As computers run faster, they are capable of absorbing the excess code generated by higher-level products. Although not yet achieved, it has always been expected that some day extremely high-level development tools will be used by most developers, relegating traditional programming languages to a small number of highly-skilled individuals. See CASE, application development system and foundation classes.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- The depressing future of the Internet
- A brief overview of how the Internet came about: some years ago, some military boffs thought it'd be awesome if computers could talk to each other, so the US could nuke the hell out of other countries without actually being near there. A smart professor from England then came up...
- Blog posts 2008-08-28
- SaaS market will 'collapse' in two years
- Lawson's CEO, Harry Debes says SaaS is the third attempt at "on demand" in his lifetime and predicts it will take the same path as the first two--to oblivion. Lawson's CEO, Harry Debes, doesn't believe in software-as-a-service SaaS. ...
- News items 2008-08-28
- GoBootstrap: simplifying SME accounting
- I'm keen to see startups in the accounting for small business space. Part of that is because I spent more years than I care to remember in finance roles, part is in the belief that accounting systems that reflect a 600 year old methodology are well...
- Blog posts 2008-08-28
- Datacore - nothing but storage
- Angie Gonzalez, of Datacore, and I had a conversation about how virtual storage complements any type of virtual processing solution. Nearly all virtual server-based solutions gain a great deal of benefit when a supporting virtual storage strategy is also deployed. Why is that? ...
- Blog posts 2008-08-28
- Now that the HP-EDS deal has been consummated
- The Irregulars draws its 'crew' from a wide and varied group of technology interests. One is Charlie Bess, an EDS Fellow. These are the brightest of the brightest among EDS thinkers and we are honored to have Charlie's insights. Now that the HP-EDS deal has been consummated, Charlie felt free...
- Blog posts 2008-08-27
- Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 vs. Firefox 3.0.1
- Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 vs. Firefox 3.0.1All part of the MS plan to keep browsers dumbded down. If we had reallygood browsers, how would they get people to use MS proprietary solutions for rich internet applications.RE: Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 vs. Firefox 3.0.1The title says Firefox 3.0.1The graph...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-27
- DataViz releases Documents To Go for touch screen Windows Mobile devices
- In early 2007 DataViz released Documents To Go for WM Smartphone (non-touch screen devices which was essential since these devices were unable to create documents at the time. Today, DataViz announced their new Windows Mobile touch screen product so that they now have the application for many mobile operating systems...
- Blog posts 2008-08-27
- Major security hole found in iPhone
- Gizmodo has unearthed a security flaw in the iPhone OS and boy is it a doozy. According to the post it's simple to access a locked iPhone's address book, Mail, SMS, Contacts, and Safari. The vulnerability works like this on a password protected and locked iPhone: ...
- Blog posts 2008-08-27
- Dancing on E-voting's grave
- Dancing on E-voting's graveAgreed - but consider the slippery slopeBecause once you recognized the problem in kind, you ended up arguing (accurately, I think) about degree.Why client-server can't workBecause the expert has to say "yes" to the question in court - no matter how difficult or impractical it may actually...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-27
- iPhone passcode lock rendered useless
- Do not trust that passcode lock on Apple's iPhone. The feature, which lets users set a four-digit pincode to limit access to the device, can be easily bypassed with a few finger taps on the iPhone to give an intruder access to sensitive information. ...
- Blog posts 2008-08-27
- MobileTechRoundup show #144, Palm thoughts, Acer Aspire One is gone
- James, Kevin, and I had a chance to get back together over Skype and record MobileTechRoundup show #144 and talked a bit about the devices I planned to take to my work trip to Singapore. Kevin tells why he took back the Acer Aspire One and why he may end...
- Blog posts 2008-08-27
- Dancing on E-voting's grave
- Any application, including e-voting applications, that run on programmable gear in user hands can be subverted. It may generally be difficult, the bad guys may usually get caught, but no auditor can ever prove that it has not been done - and that's why most states are now throwing away...
- Blog posts 2008-08-27
- Sony Ericsson TM506 - amber (T-Mobile)
- The Sony Ericsson TM506 marks a couple of "firsts" for T-Mobile. Not only is it the first Sony Ericsson to land at T-Mobile in several years, but also it's the carrier's first 3G cell phone since it launched its 3G network in May. Though it doesn't offer a streaming media...
- Product reviews 2008-08-26
- Linux under attack: Compromised SSH keys lead to rootkit
- Linux under attack: Compromised SSH keys lead to rootkitLinux under attack: Compromised SSH keys lead to rootkitLOL! And the hits to linux just keep coming! So thats 4 different incidents within a week's time of how badly linux sucks. Poor linus must be hiding under his bed trying...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-26
- Malware detected at the International Space Station
- Malware is reaching new heights, and going into Space through a removable media carrying the W32.Gammima.AG password stealing malware to the International Space Station. According to SpaceRef.com : "W32.Gammima.AG worm is a level 0 gaming virus intended to gather personal information. Virus was never a threat to any of...
- Blog posts 2008-08-26
- Linux under attack: Compromised SSH keys lead to rootkit
- The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team CERT has issued a warning for what it calls "active attacks" against Linux-based computing infrastructures using compromised SSH keys. The attack appears to initially use stolen SSH keys to gain access to a system, and then uses local kernel exploits to...
- Blog posts 2008-08-26
- Loopt: iPhone app keeps track of friends
- I've been playing with a free iPhone application called Loopt (Web site, App Store). It allows you to stay connected to your friends, colleagues and relatives who are also members of the service. Loopt uses the GPS chip in the iPhone 3G and Wi-Fi triangulation in the iPhone 2G to...
- Blog posts 2008-08-26
- Does TraceMonkey kick Firefox into turbo mode?
- Does TraceMonkey kick Firefox into turbo mode?Wow, we are breaking down the barriers to web application adoption for allof our every day applications. The speed here will be so close to natively compiled code that it will not matter any more. But, we still need some kind of a sandboxed...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-26
- Amazon acquires book community Shelfari
- Amazon has added another tuck-in acquisition: Shelfari, an online community for book worms. Shelfari is likely to be integrated into Amazon's services and continue to exist as a separate destination. Amazon, which helped fund the social networking startup, now owns Shelfari and a stake in its primary...
- Blog posts 2008-08-26
- How do I... Run Linux applications in Windows XP?
- There are many reasons why an administrator would want to be able to run Linux GUI applications from a Windows machine. Say, for example, you have a GUI-enabled Linux server that you run headless. Instead of attaching a monitor you can just log in from your Windows machine and run...
- Download resources 2008-08-26
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Demo: Virtualization with the Intel® Xeon® Processor
-
In this Flash demo, you'll learn about virtualization performance and features ideal for consolidation, load balancing, and disaster recovery with leading enterprise reliability.
- Watch how the Intel Xeon processor can increase performance and reliability of your servers >>
Ultraportables
- Understanding Ultraportable Laptops (BNET)
- Five steps to protect mobile devices anywhere, anytime (TechRepublic)
- View all ZDNet Toshiba laptop reviews
- From our sponsors
- Toshiba Satellite® U400 Series
-
- The ultra-portable, ultra-stylish Satellite® U405 is a smart choice for you and your small business. Only from the laptop expert, Toshiba. Explore the complete laptop lineup »
-
