3GL vs 4GL

Are 3GL more machine efficient and easier to test and maintain than 4GL?

In a word, sometimes. 3GL are often more resource efficient. And 4GL are often easier to program/maintain. Both can be hard to test if not coded for testability. And the talent available matters. For an experienced, capable, programmer, 3GLs are fine. For a wannabe programmer, 4GLs provide an easy, fast, way to make really bad software that runs at glacial speed at low cost. This last is the current trend, reinforced by Moore's law. Yet 4GL, in competant hands, can provide good solutions quickly. There is still no substitute for knowledge and experience. IMHO, 4GL are at their best as report generators and database apps that will remain fairly static. If they get overgrown, they can be a liability. I know of many, many, 4GL systems that need a rewrite as the built up cruft collpses of it's own weight and the limitations are exposed. 3GL have many fewer limitations, but require good up front design. But, what do I know? I'm a PLC tech.now.

Regards

cww

I have blogged about this subject at length. I believe it is a fair debate.

http://www.leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com