The term fourth generation techniques (4GT) encompasses a broad array of softwaretools that have one thing in common:

each enables the software engineer to specify some characteristic of software at a high level. The tool then automaticallygenerates source code based on the dev eloper's specification. There is littledebate that the higher the level at which software can be specified to a machine,the faster a program can be built. The 4 GT paradigm for software engineeringfocuses on the ability to specify software u sing specialized language forms or agraphic notation that describes the problem to be solved in terms that the customer can understand.Currently, a software dev elopment environment that supports the 4GT paradigmincludes some or all of the f ollowing tools: nonprocedural languages for databasequery, report generation, da ta manipulation, screen interaction and definition, codegeneration; high-level g raphics capability; spreadsheet capability, and automatedgeneration of HTML and similar languages used for Web-site creation using advancedsoftware tools. Initi ally, many of the tools noted previously were available only for very specific a pplication domains, but today 4GT environments have been extendedto address most software application categories.Like other paradigms, 4GT begins with a require ments gathering step. Ideally, thecustomer would describe requirements and these would be directly translated intoan operational prototype. But this is unworkab le. The customer may be unsure of what is required, may be ambiguous in specifyi ng facts that are known, and may beunable or unwilling to specify information in a manner that a 4GT tool can consume. Fourth generation techniques:

Fourth generation techniques are the package of software tools that enable a sof twareengineer to specify the characteristics at a high level and then a source c ode isautomatically generated based on these specifications In 4GT, we can specify the user requirements in graphic notation or small abbrev iatedlanguage form. The 4G includes following tools:

Data definition

Data manipulation

Non procedural language for query

Report generation Code generation

Spreadsheet capability Four steps for making a software product using 4G T :

Requirement gathering

Design strategy Implementation Transformation into product Advantages of 4G T :

Reduction in software development time. Improved productivity of software engineers. 4GT helped by CASE , tools and code generators that offer solution to many problems. Disadvantages:

Some 4GT are not at all easier than programming languages. Generated source code are sometimes inefficient Time is reduced for only small and medium projects. Large software developed by 4GT is not maintainable or difficult to maintain.