PARADYME is a versatile and powerful code generator for the PICK environment. It is capable of producing application programs in a fraction of the time required for 'hand coding'.
PARADYME is first and foremost a technical tool and is designed for use by programmers and analysts with a good knowledge of the PICK Operating System. However, this does not preclude people with a working knowledge of PICK from using PARADYME. Indeed we feel there is a lot that can be done by relative beginners with the right supervision.
Code generators come in various guises but certain types can be distinguished. These are:-
Those which attempt to wholly replace the use of code providing a totally insulated development environment.
Those which attempt to produce code that will provide the basis for a coding solution to the problem.
Generators of type 1 have the drawback of restricting the programmer to the allowable commands within the generator. While this may generally be acceptable, occasions do arise where the versatility of a programming language is required to solve a problem.
Those of the second type cause problems of regeneration. If a code generator is used to create an application that is subsequently hand amended by a programmer then the application can no longer be maintained via the generator and the advantage of using such a tool is greatly diminished.
PARADYME overcomes the disadvantages of types 1 and 2. It does this by allowing the programmer to create tailored code and by holding those 'tailored' items of logic as 'inserts' which will be re-inserted at specified relative positions in subsequent versions of the generated program. This means that even if the programmer modifies other parts of the routine, the 'inserts' will still be added in the same logical place as was first intended by the programmer. The great advantage of this ability to influence program function by using logic inserts means that the only restrictions placed on PARADYME generated programs are those imposed by the programming language.
PARADYME allows the programmer to quickly develop applications screens and menus and to build into these extensive cross-reference and validation facilities. Access modes (ADD, CHANGE, DELETE and ENQUIRY) can be automatically handled by PARADYME if you so wish.
PARADYME is a powerful systems builder. Generated programs can be linked together either via common declarations or via subroutine parameter lists. Cross file linkages and on-line maintenance of file structures make secure and well documented development a reality.
PARADYME also employs an easy to use but powerful screen-painter which enables the speedy development of update and display screens. Copy and line duplication commands make the process of screen design much easier and the independence of screen maintenance from the program means that changes can be made quickly without the need for extensive code alterations and compilations.
The quick design of screens means that users can become closely involved in prototyping the design and with experience can even embark on their own programs.
Altogether this means a very friendly and easy to understand system which is both easy to use and flexible enough to tackle any system requirements. Our intention was to make PARADYME enjoyable to use. In the next few chapters we hope you will find this to be the case.