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From: bmug@garnet.berkeley.edu (BMUG)
Newsgroups: comp.databases,comp.sys.mac.programmer,comp.sys.mac.apps
Subject: Re: Is 4d (Fourth Dimension) on Mac better than ALL?
Keywords: Oracle 4d Fourth Dimension
Message-ID: <1991Jan2.151311.461@agate.berkeley.edu>
Date: 2 Jan 91 15:13:11 GMT
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In article <19464@netcom.UUCP> lpendley@netcom.UUCP (Lou Pendley) writes:
...does Fourth Dimension on the Mac have
>'almost' everything the other database systems have, and more, to include:
>
>a) graphical user interface

yes, for the developer as well as tools for the end-user interface.

>b) procedural language

yes, Pascal-like but optimized for database operations.

>c) graphical data types, blobs (lookout Steve McQueen)

yes, though not quite as complete as they could be.

>d) complete security

adequate security for most purposes; however there is not currently a
way to encrypt datafiles in DES format, which may be necessary in some
installations.

>e) compile to binaries

yes.

>f) links to other database vendors, Oracle, Ingres, Informix

yes, and to Sybase as well, through DAL as well as via add-on products
from TechGnosis and ACIUS.

>
>the only limitations i can see currently are:
>
>a) not SQL standard

yes, but see (f) above.

>b) not Client/Server architecture.

not yet, though ACIUS will be showing a client-server version of 4D
at the imminent Developer's Conference in San Francisco.  no idea
when it'll be released, though.

>c) does it run under A/UX, apples Unix port

yes, though there may be limitations I'm not aware of.

>d) currently not portable to other O/S

that's right.

Hope this helps!

John Heckendorn
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