In this IBM Redbooks publication, we describe how Informix customers can upgrade their 4GL application development environment to the Rational Software Development platform, and, more specifically, transition to the Rational Enterprise Generation Language (EGL).

EGL provides just the right balance of simplicity and flexibility, and enables application developers to focus on solving business problems rather than expending time and energy on technology.

For example, Informix 4GL developers who are unfamiliar with Java can use EGL to quickly build data-driven Web applications and business logic. They can then write and debug their applications in EGL, and the Java code will be generated for them. So they can then build dynamic Web applications without having to learn the Java language. This provides significant advantages, enabling clients to minimize application development time and resource requirements.

We give you an overview of EGL, its concepts and operations, and walk you through a step-by-step tutorial to develop an simple Web application. Included is an overview of the 4GL to EGL migration process and a sample application migration. You will be alerted to potential migration issues, and given the information to resolve them.

We also include guidance for working with special database behavior and requirements, JasperReports, and a number of advanced EGL topics for developing robust and individualized applications.

Part 1. Introduction and overview

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. IBM Informix 4GL

Chapter 3. Rational Software Development Platform

Chapter 4. Installing and configuring RAD

Chapter 5. Redbook 4GL reference application

Part 2. EGL basics and a simple EGL Web application

Chapter 6. Introduction to IBM EGL

Chapter 7. EGL language concepts

Chapter 8. The EGL build environment

Chapter 9. Simple Web application setup

Chapter 10. Simple Web application

Part 3. Informix 4GL to EGL conversion

Chapter 11. The 4GL to EGL conversion process

Chapter 12. Converting the redbook sample 4GL application to EGL

Chapter 13. Special conversion topics

Chapter 14. How to deploy an EGL Batch or CUI application

Chapter 15. EGL and IDS database server

Chapter 16. EGL and JasperReports

Chapter 17. Changing database server in the EGL application

Part 4. From character based to Web / advanced EGL

Chapter 18. Web enhancements to the Example_01 application

Chapter 19. How to enhance the converted 4GL application

Chapter 20. How to deploy an EGL Web application

Chapter 21. Additional EGL features

Appendix A. 4GL/EGL syntax comparison

Appendix B. EGL functions for database developers

Appendix C. EGL and Cloudscape

Appendix D. Additional material