Question

Explain the merits and demerits of 4GL.

Hint:

4GLs excel at quick development and reducing errors but may not be suitable for every type of application.

Answer 1

4GL (Fourth-Generation Language) is designed to be closer to human language and aims to reduce the complexity of programming. Here are the merits and demerits of 4GL:
Merits:
- Faster Development: 4GLs allow for rapid application development, reducing the need for detailed coding.
- Ease of Use: 4GLs use a more intuitive syntax, making them easier for non-programmers to understand.
- Higher Abstraction: They provide a higher level of abstraction compared to 3GLs, allowing developers to focus on what needs to be done, rather than how it should be done.
- Productivity: Developers can write less code and complete tasks faster than with traditional languages like C or Java.
- Error Reduction: With 4GL, the likelihood of errors is reduced due to simpler code and built-in functionalities. 
Demerits:
- Limited Flexibility: 4GLs may not offer as much flexibility as 3GLs when it comes to complex, low-level programming tasks.
- Performance Issues: Programs written in 4GL may not be as optimized as those written in lower-level languages, potentially affecting performance.
- Learning Curve: While easier to learn than 3GLs, 4GLs may still require a certain amount of training to use effectively.
- Limited Use Cases: They are generally better suited for specific tasks like database management, and may not be suitable for all types of software development. 
Conclusion:
4GLs are a great choice for rapid development and simpler applications but may have limitations in terms of flexibility and performance for more complex tasks.