Re: What are best CASE tools

From: Richard D Holowczak <holowcza_at_andromeda.rutgers.edu>
Date: 9 Oct 93 15:29:10 GMT
Message-ID: <Oct.9.11.29.09.1993.10761_at_andromeda.rutgers.edu>


sjs_at_netcom.com (Stephen Schow) writes:

>We are in the process of evaluating some CASE tools. So, what are the best ones
>which work in conjunction with Oracle. Of course there is Oracle's CASE tool.
>What are its ups and downs? Are there others which are better?

   I know of no other CASE tools which will generate Oracle SQL*Forms    code. I could be wrong but most I've seen go only as far as    generating COBOL or "C" with embedded SQL code in it.    Evidently, System Architect can share some of its model info with    Powerbuilder but it sounds like you are comitted to CDE so this    might not be an option. Also, I don't know of many CASE tools    that support Macintosh going against Oracle.

>We need a CASE tool that will allow us to specify data models and other
>application attributes and then have it generate an application. We are
>pretty set set on using CDE(ie Forms4.0, Report2.0, etc..), but are always
>open to suggestions. Client/Server applications with Macintosh, Motif

                                                       ^^^^^^^^^^
                        Anyone know what Oracle's position is with Macs ?
                        I know they have Forms 3.0 for the Mac but . . . ?

>and Windows as the front end(in that order) are what we are headed towards.

    Oracle CASE 5.1 will include Oracle 7 support (stored procedures      and triggers, etc.) and CASE*Generateor 2.0 will generate for     Forms 4.0 and I would assume Reports 2.0 as well. Remember, though,     this will only come on MS Windows first. I think next is     Sun Unix. I've heard that the CASE tools are supposed to     be released a few months after Forms 4.0 is production on a     given platform. i.e. Forms 4.0 is now production on Windows so     we're expecting CASE 5.1 on Windows in November or December (I hope!)

>We have to turn out applications very quickly(in a few weeks), but their
>requirements exceed the default master-detail form which you get with
>SQL*FORMS 3.0.
    I've been using CASE 5.0, Designer and Generator for a while now.     I can't stand to look at the "Default blocks" Forms gives you.     The generator is quite good in my opinion for Master/Detail,     Master/Detail/Detail, Master/Master/Detail, etc.     I've generated forms combining up to 5 tables with all referential     integrity, pop up lists, cascading delete triggers, security,     where and order-by clauses, etc, etc. All without writing a line     of code myself. THe code is of quite good quality and is     very well commented. Of the forms I've had to add "custom"     code to, I've found it quite easy to do so.

    The downside to this is that you have to put more work in     up front in Analysis. More than what you would typically do     on a project. The effort is well worth it. Once you start     getting all of your company's business practices modeled,     you can mix and match models to make whatever kinds of     applications you wish.

>So what are your comments?
 

>I am thinking about attending a CASE class at Oracle, to get a feel for how
>well their product will work. The implied advantage of Oracle's CASE tool
>is that it would be fully integrated in the CDE (Cooperative Development
>Environment).

    The Oracle CASE tools have a a steeper learning curve (IMHO) than     most other tools I've worked with, but then again,     they are not nearly as complex and do not offer the generator     functions Oracle offers.

>Steve Schow | But you don't have to use the claw, if you

   Let me know if you want more info or some screen shots or something.

Rich Holowczak
Rutgers University
holowcza_at_andromeda.rutgers.edu Received on Sat Oct 09 1993 - 16:29:10 CET

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