Introduction

Progress 4GL (OpenEdge ABL) is a high-level programming language specifically designed for building robust, scalable, and business-centric applications. It is widely used for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM), and other core business applications. This training focuses on practical application development using Progress 4GL. Participants will learn how to leverage the power of this language to create business solutions that integrate seamlessly with databases, handle large volumes of data, and support complex business logic.

The course covers practical implementation aspects, including building user interfaces, integrating with backend databases, and optimizing performance. By the end of the training, participants will be able to develop and deploy Progress 4GL-based business applications that are efficient, scalable, and adaptable to changing business needs.

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic programming concepts
• Understanding of relational databases
• Experience with Progress 4GL (OpenEdge ABL) or similar languages is beneficial but not mandatory
• Basic knowledge of business application requirements and workflows

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Progress 4GL and Business Applications

1.1 Overview of Progress 4GL (OpenEdge ABL)
1.2 Key Features of Progress 4GL for Business Applications
1.3 Overview of Business Application Requirements
1.4 Benefits of Using Progress 4GL in Business Solutions

2. Understanding Business Logic and Workflows

2.1 Defining Business Logic for Applications
2.2 Understanding Data Flow and Process Workflows
2.3 Business Rules Implementation in Progress 4GL
2.4 Event-Driven Programming in Business Applications

3. Database Integration and Data Management

3.1 Understanding the Role of Databases in Business Applications
3.2 Connecting Progress 4GL with Databases (SQL, NoSQL)
3.3 Writing and Optimizing SQL Queries in Progress 4GL
3.4 Data Manipulation and Transaction Management

4. User Interface Development

4.1 Overview of OpenEdge ABL for UI Development
4.2 Building Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) with OpenEdge
4.3 Forms and Reports in Progress 4GL Applications
4.4 Integrating with Web-Based User Interfaces

5. Building and Managing Business Components

5.1 Modular Design of Business Logic Components
5.2 Managing Data Access and Services
5.3 Creating Reusable Business Components
5.4 Working with RESTful APIs in Business Applications

6. Business Application Security

6.1 Security Considerations in Business Applications
6.2 User Authentication and Role-Based Authorization
6.3 Implementing Secure Data Access in Progress 4GL
6.4 Encryption and Data Protection Best Practices

7. Performance Optimization in Business Applications

7.1 Identifying Performance Bottlenecks
7.2 Optimizing Queries and Data Access in Progress 4GL
7.3 Caching and Data Retrieval Strategies
7.4 Profiling and Tuning Business Applications for Scalability

8. Error Handling and Troubleshooting

8.1 Common Errors in Business Applications
8.2 Exception Handling Techniques in Progress 4GL
8.3 Debugging and Logging for Business Applications
8.4 Best Practices for Maintaining Application Health

9. Integrating Third-Party Systems and Web Services

9.1 Overview of Third-Party Integrations in Business Apps
9.2 Integrating Progress 4GL with External APIs
9.3 Using Web Services for Seamless Data Exchange
9.4 Case Study: Integrating Progress 4GL with Payment Systems

10. Deploying and Maintaining Business Applications

10.1 Deploying Progress 4GL Business Applications to Production
10.2 Application Monitoring and Performance Tracking
10.3 Version Control and Updates for Business Apps
10.4 Troubleshooting and Debugging in Production Environments

11. Real-World Case Studies and Use Cases

11.1 Case Study 1: Developing an Inventory Management System
11.2 Case Study 2: Building a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System
11.3 Case Study 3: Integrating Financial Management Modules into Business Applications
11.4 Case Study 4: Developing a Sales Order Processing System

12. Conclusion and Best Practices

12.1 Recap of Key Learning Outcomes
12.2 Best Practices for Developing Business Applications in Progress 4GL
12.3 Ongoing Maintenance and Upgrades in Business Applications
12.4 Preparing for Future Trends and Evolving Business Needs

In this practical training, participants will develop a strong understanding of how to create business applications using Progress 4GL. By focusing on real-world examples, hands-on exercises, and best practices, the training equips developers with the skills needed to build high-performance, scalable, and secure business applications. The course emphasizes the importance of integrating business logic, optimizing performance, ensuring data security, and maintaining application health. With these skills, participants can confidently design, implement, and manage enterprise-level applications that meet business needs and adapt to the fast-changing demands of the marketplace.