Indiana University of Pennsylvania                                Dr. Shubra
Computer Science Deparatment                                      Fall 1995
CO 481 - Fourth Generation Languages and Productivity Tools

Introduction

     This three credit upper level course is being offered to provide 
interested motivated students with a fundamental knowledge of, and a 
practical experience with, the concepts of fourth generation languages and 
tools which improve programmer/user productivity.  The course is a logical 
extension of the concepts taught in CO 441 Introduction to Data Base 
Management Systems and IM 450 Data Base Theory and Applications.  As such, 
either CO 441 or IM 450 is a prerequisite for CO 481.

The Course Text

     Feldman, P., et. al., Using Visual Basic 3, Que Corporation, 
     Indianapolis, IN

     Other materials will either be provided or placed on reserve at the 
     library or in Tompkins Lab.

Objective


1.   Develop a precise definition of the essential characteristics common in 
	fourth generation languages.
2.   Understand the pressures and motivation for using fourth generation 
	languages.
3.   Gain pratical experience with several fourth generation languages and 
	productivity tools such as:  The QBE interface to Access, Microsoft 
	Access, Visual Basic.

Tentative Course Schedule where:

F = Feldman's Text

Course Outline:

Hours                         Comments
  
2                  Topic:     Course Introduction and Administration,
                              Why Fourth Generation Languages.
                      Do:     Read and report on a 4GL Article.

1                  Topic:     Categories of 4 GL s,
                              Principles of 4 GL s.

1                  Topic:     Essential Characteristics of 4 GL s.

1                  Topic:     Introduction to Event Driven Programming for Windows.
                    Read:     Chapter 1.

1                  Topic:     A Sample Visual Basic Application.
                    Read:     Chapter 3.
                      Do:     Chapter 3 A Number Cruncher.

1                  Topic:     The Visual Basic Programming Environment.
                    Read:     Chapter 4.

1		   Topic:     Forms, Properties and Events.
		    Read:     Chapter 5.

2                  Topic:     Introduction to Writing Event Procedures.
                    Read:     Chapter 7.
                      DO:     Chapter 7 Ted.

1                  Topic:     GUI Design Concepts and Standards.
                    Read:

2                  Topic:     Do: Using Toolbox Controls.
                    Read:     Chapter 8.
                      DO:     Chapter 8 The Book Application.

1                  Topic:     Project Management.
                    Read:     Chapter 9.

1                  Topic:     Using Dialog Boxes
                    Read:     Chapter 10
                      Do:     Chapter 10  The Loan Project

1                  Topic:     Develop Sample Application.
                      Do:     Discuss the course project.

3                  Topic:     Databases.
                    Read:     Chapter 28.

1                  Topic:     The Debugger
                    Read:     Chapter 21.

1                  Topic:     Error Handling and Trapping
                    Read:     Chapter 21

2                  Topic:     Mouse Events
                    Read:     Chapter 22

2                  Topic:     Keyboard Events
                    Read:     Chapter 23

2                  Topic:     Grid Control
                    Read:     Chapters 3 and 26

2                  Topic:     Visual Basic Definition of Database Object
                    Read:     Handout

6                   Topic     Accessing a Database Without Use of a Data Control
                    Read:     Handout

2                  Topic:     Custom Menus
                    Read:     Chapter 24

2                  Topic:     Profession Edition Controls
                    Read:     Chapter 32
 




 Grading*

     Exam 1                                    100
     Exam 2                                    100 
     Final                                     200
     Access QBE Project                         50
     Visual Basic Exercises                    100
     Term Projects                             100
                                                
                                               550
 
* Since this is an experimental course where many of these packages have not 
	been used extensively, this grading plan may have to be modified as 
	the semester progresses.  As it stands, it is my best estimate as to
	what we should be able to accomplish and the relative importance of 
	each activity.