Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A fourth-generation language (4GL) is a high-level programming language—or an integrated set of development tools—that lets users describe a task or desired result with less implementation detail than a third-generation language. 4GLs are especially associated with database queries, reports, forms, and business applications. The term does not describe one universal language or feature set.
What does 4GL mean?
“Fourth-generation language” is commonly shortened to 4GL. The Government of Canada’s TERMIUM Plus terminology record, which attributes its standardized definition to ISO/IEC 2382-7:2000, defines a 4GL as a high-level language that can use near-natural-language statements, has a higher ratio of machine instructions to simple statements than a third-generation language, and lets the user work at a higher level of abstraction. The record is dated August 6, 2004. TERMIUM Plus: 4th generation language
In practical terms, a 4GL lets someone express more of the task in fewer, more goal-oriented statements. The language or surrounding tools handle more of the underlying steps. “Near-natural language” does not mean that every 4GL accepts ordinary English; it describes a relative emphasis on accessible, task-oriented statements.
Does 4GL mean a language or a software environment?
It can mean either, depending on the product and context. Some definitions focus on the language’s abstraction and expressive power. A government-hosted functional model describes a broader environment for building interactive business applications, where several integrated tools work together and may serve end users as well as professional developers. GovInfo report excerpt on 4GLs A functional model for fourth-generation languages
#1 Best Overall
That model lists these possible components:
- A query language for retrieving or working with data
- A screen formatter for designing user interfaces
- A report formatter for producing reports
- A procedural language for tasks requiring explicit logic
- A data dictionary for describing data
- A database-management system or file handler
These are typical parts of the model, not mandatory features of every product called a 4GL.
How is a 4GL different from a 3GL?
The main difference is how much implementation detail the developer must specify. A 4GL or its integrated tools may package common operations into task-oriented statements. A more procedural approach may require the programmer to describe more of the steps needed to carry out the task.
Rank #2
This is a difference in abstraction, not a guarantee that one generation is always easier, faster, or more capable. The label alone does not tell you a language’s syntax, performance, or suitability for a particular project.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat are examples of 4GLs?
Examples depend on how broadly a source or product uses the term. TERMIUM Plus names dBASE in a context note, while an archival history from the 4GL Alliance includes SQL in a broad historical discussion. These examples illustrate varied usage; they do not establish that every taxonomy classifies either one as a 4GL. TERMIUM Plus: 4th generation language 4GL Alliance project history
Rank #3
A more specific example is Actian’s Ingres 12.0 documentation, which describes its 4GL as a way to specify what an application should do rather than every step for how to implement it, including support for forms-based applications with relatively little programming. That description applies to Ingres’s product, not to all 4GLs. Actian Ingres 12.0: Overview of 4GL
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you check when evaluating a 4GL?
Because the label covers different languages and tool environments, look at the specific product’s capabilities rather than relying on the term alone. Useful questions include:
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- What work is it designed for? Check whether it focuses on database queries, reporting, forms-based applications, or another domain.
- How does it express tasks? Determine whether it is declarative, procedural, or a mix, and how much implementation detail users must provide.
- What tools are included? Find out whether query, reporting, screen-design, data-dictionary, and database facilities are part of the environment.
- Where will it run? Check the product’s platform requirements and compatibility; the 4GL label does not establish either.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
