Fourth-generation languages are programming languages closer to human languages than typical

high-level programming languages. Most 4GLs are used to access databases.

The other three generations of computer languages are:

• first generation: machine language
• second generation: assembly language
• third generation: high-level programming languages, such as C, C++, and Java.

A programming system that enables programmers to quickly build working programs. In general,

RAD systems provide a number of tools to help build a graphic user interface that would normally

take a large development effort.

Historically, RAD systems have tended to emphasize reducing development time, sometimes at the

expense of generating efficient code. Nowadays, though, many RAD systems produce extremely fast

code. Conversely, many traditional programming environments now come with a number of visual tools

to aid development. Therefore, the line between RAD systems and other development environments has

become blurred.

Abbreviation of Open Database Connectivity, a standard database access method developed by Microsoft.

The goal of ODBC is to make it possible to access any data from any application, regardless of which

database management system (DBMS) is handling the data. Both the application and the DBMS must be

ODBC-compliant -- that is, the application must be capable of issuing ODBC commands and the DBMS must be

capable of responding to them.

Short for Java Database Connectivity, a Java API that enables Java programs to execute SQL statements.

This allows Java programs to interact with any SQL-compliant database. Since nearly all database

management systems (DBMS) support SQL, and because Java itself runs on most platforms, JDBC makes it

possible to write a single database application that can run on different platforms and interact with

different DBMSs.

JDBC is similar to ODBC, but is designed specifically for Java programs, whereas ODBC is language-

independent.

A Database Management System is a collection of programs that enables you to store, modify, and

extract information from a database.

A Relational Database Management System is a DBMS which operates on the Relational Data Model.

Since most DBMS are relational, the R is normally assumed.

The programming language, specific to PowerBuilder, which enables the programmer to attach code

to the objects in his applications.

The PowerBuilder development tool which enables the programmer to create objects of various types

and apply basic attributes and code.